In British Columbia, indications that the intravenous drug user (IVDU) population was a high-risk group could be seen in the HIV testing results. In anticipation of problems in the IVDU population, the British Columbia Ministry of Health developed a street-nurse project which provided AIDS education, administered blood tests, provided counseling, and distributed condoms. Small bottles of bleach were also distributed to clean needles, however, this seemed ineffective. In developing a needle exchange program, the aid of the Police Department was crucial and forthcoming. Media support was generated by the availability of the Medical Health Officer on television, radio, and the newspapers. Proposal for the needle exchange program was presented to the City Council and passed in 1989. Other key tactics to initiate the needle exchange program were legal clarification, support from the medical association, and integration with existing street programs. 7 references.