Pubdate: Tue, 11 Feb 2003
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Kelly Lee

TC'S ARTICLES COMMENDABLE

As a social worker who works with the street population in Victoria, I want 
to commend the Times Colonist on its coverage on the plight of the homeless.

As a worker and citizen, I believe that many of the city's problems related 
to drug use could be dealt with more effectively if we had a safe injection 
site which would let addiction workers connect with many chronic users.

This would ensure that injection drug users have a safe, clean place to use 
and deposit their dirty needles, receive information on safe injection, and 
support for those who may be contemplating sobriety or accessing the 
methadone program.

In conjunction with a safe injection site, we also need a sobering centre 
where individuals can stay during the day and evenings so that they are not 
wandering the streets putting themselves and others at risk.

I am encouraged that Victoria city council is looking at these very 
practical alternatives as the limited services available and recent 
provincial funding cuts to downtown agencies are beginning to take their 
toll on this very vulnerable population.

Kelly Lee,

Victoria.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom