Pubdate: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Theresa Campbell CHANGING THE TERM 'SAFE INJECTION SITE' WOULD HELP ME I am writing as someone who is committed to valuable drug education for youth. I'm requesting that you use the term "supervised injection sites" and refrain from using the term "safe injection sites" when referring to centres hoping to reduce harm to drug users. I have spent the last 15 years of my career working with youth. I have spent a lot of time addressing the urgent education and awareness needs of communities. I'm aware of the impact the media has young people's perceptions regarding illicit drug use. This is why I'm deeply concerned at the repeated use of the term "safe injection sites" by the media. There is nothing safe about an injection site; illicit drug use is never safe. The media's involvement in repeatedly sending this conflicted message to youth, and the general public, about the safety of injection sites is frightening. Please help us to continue our fight against illicit drug use by using the appropriate terminology when referring to supervised injection sites. Theresa Campbell, safe schools manager, Surrey School District - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin