Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 Source: Jasper Booster (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Jasper Booster Contact: http://www.jasperbooster.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/788 Author: Robert Sharpe Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n297/a11.html?302494 Note: Title by Newshawk CANADA CANNOT AFFORD TO EMULATE UNITED STATES Re: Harm Reduction: Helping Addicts Feel Human, March 8 Page 13 Regarding Patrick Mooney's March 8 op-ed, the need for harm reduction alternatives to the drug war is best exemplified by the tragic experience of Canada's southern neighbor. United States Centers for Disease Control researchers estimate that 57 percent of AIDS cases among women and 36 percent of overall AIDS cases in the U.S. are linked to injection drug use or sex with partners who inject drugs. This easily preventable public health crisis is a direct result of zero tolerance laws that restrict access to clean syringes. Canada cannot afford to emulate the harm maximization policies of the former land of the free and current record holder in citizens incarcerated. Sincerely, - -Robert Sharpe Policy Analyst, Washington, DC Common Sense for Drug Policy www.csdp.org - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman