Pubdate: Fri, 02 Jun 2006
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Canoe Inc
Contact:  http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Irwin Loy, 24 Hours
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

600K DONATED TO HARM REDUCTION: SULLIVAN

Mayor Sam Sullivan says another donor has come forward offering to 
fund a drug harm reduction program in the city.

Sullivan said a "non-local" donor has offered $100,000. It's in 
addition to previous offerings of more than $500,000, which the mayor 
revealed last month amidst some controversy. He had announced he 
would risk his political career to promote a program that would 
provide drugs for addicted prostitutes.

"I was worried the media attention might have dissuaded him but [the 
donor] is still committed," Sullivan said in a recent interview.

Opposition city councillors have accused Sullivan of being reckless 
with his drug policies, challenging the mayor to put his drug plans 
in writing. But Sullivan said he's merely advocating for a plan.

"I'm trying to move forward on issues that have been scientifically 
proven to reduce crime and public disorder," he said.

Either way, the more than $600,000 the mayor has now been offered for 
harm-reduction programs may be more symbolic than substantive.

"These types of programs are expensive," said Donald MacPherson, the 
city's drug policy coordinator. "It's a good start, but you want to 
think of sustainability when you're designing programs."

Meanwhile, the RCMP announced yesterday there will be no criminal 
charges against Sullivan after he admitted to giving money for drugs 
to an addicted friend. Vancouver's police chief had requested the 
RCMP investigation after Sullivan took office last fall.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman