Pubdate: Fri, 27 May 2005
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2005
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jeff Hodson, Metro Vancouver
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)

INJECTION SITES UNDER EVALUATION

MLA-elect Tim Stevenson agrees with his colleague Mayor Larry
Campbell's wait-and-see attitude toward opening more safe injection
sites.

"So far (the safe injection site) looks very, very good. It's positive
and it's saving lives," said Stevenson, who will find out on Monday
whether his 12-vote lead over incumbent MLA Lorne Mayencourt will be
declared official.

Stevenson is in favour of a cautious approach and taking "a long hard
look" at the safe injection site before opening more.

"As I said during the campaign, it entirely depends on the Coastal
Health Authorityand the police recommending it."

On Wednesday, the mayor told CKNW Radio that the safe injection site
on Hastings Street had "exceeded expectations," saving lives and
reducing the incidences of HIV and hepatitis.

Campbell says the injection site is not at full capacity and is
awaiting a full evaluation of the project before possible expansion.

During the provincial election campaign, Stevenson and the mayor were
highly critical of Mayencourt for comments the B.C. MLA made about the
injection site's failure to meet its initial goals.
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MAP posted-by: Derek