Pubdate: Thu, 23 Aug 2001
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: John G. Smith
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

SCHOOL BOARD OPPOSES NEP

Editor, The News:

The following letter was also originally sent to Fraser Valley Health 
Region medical health officer Dr. Gillian Arsenault:

On behalf of the board of school trustees, I wish to add our voice opposing 
the implementation of a needle exchange program in the Abbotsford area.

Already we are experiencing a number of school sites where needles have 
been discarded by drug users.

We believe a needle exchange program will only escalate this already unsafe 
situation for students.

The board requests the health region look at treatment centres and 
detoxification programs as a better way to assist the drug user, rather 
than further encouraging the use of drugs by supplying needles.

John G. Smith Chairman, Abbotsford school board
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager