Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jan 2007
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Jake Rupert
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

DRUG PROGRAMS 'CRUCIAL' TO CITY'S HEALTH

Medical Officer Lauds Needle Exchange, Crack Pipe Plan

The city's chief medical officer accused the police force, its chief 
and others yesterday of "actively" trying to thwart harm-reduction 
drug programs, such as the needle exchange and crack pipe program.

Dr. David Salisbury said he's speaking out because the programs are 
"crucial" to the city's health, but police and others are undermining 
public confidence in the programs by spreading inaccurate information.

"I've finally decided I can no longer stay silent about what people 
are saying about these programs," Dr. Salisbury said.

"These programs are effective. We have major problems with HIV and 
hepatitis C in this city, and these programs are crucial to 
preventing the spread of disease."

He said public comments from police Chief Vince Bevan have been based 
on incorrect information that such programs increase drug use and 
have little impact on the spread of disease.

Not only do dozens of studies in other cities say this is wrong, Dr. 
Salisbury said, but the programs are starting to have positive 
effects on controlling the spread of disease in Ottawa.

What makes him angry is that public support for the programs is 
waning because critics have created the perception that the programs 
don't work.

"Public comments from the chief of police have led to serious 
problems for us," he said. "We don't have a good working relationship 
with the police force."

Dr. Salisbury said he has repeatedly asked the police to put a 
representative on a city council-mandated board overseeing the 
programs, but, for the past 18 months, the police have refused.

At the province's orders, municipalities must run needle exchange 
programs that allow addicts to trade in dirty needles for clean ones. 
However, the crack pipe program is a city initiative, and can be killed.

Chief Bevan couldn't be reached for comment, but the force's 
spokeswoman, Const. Isabelle Lemieux, said his previous comments stand.

Chief Bevan has said: "there is no hard evidence, no empirical 
studies that support the distribution of crack pipes;" the program 
encourages drug use; it sends the message that "it's OK to try 
crack;" and the program might even be illegal.

He said he would consider charging the city under a section of the 
Criminal Code banning the distribution of drug paraphernalia, but 
then said he wouldn't if the pipes aren't given to people under 18 
years of age.

Const. Lemieux said Dr. Salisbury's concerns will be taken into 
consideration, and that police officials are committed to drug 
"prevention, treatment, harm reduction" and law enforcement.

City Councillor Rick Chiarelli, who is against the program, said the 
doctor's remarks are unwarranted.

"It's the job of the police to uphold the law," he said. "I think it 
was unfair of (the doctor) to go after the police on this because 
they are only doing the right thing, upholding the law."

One of Mayor Larry O'Brien's campaign promises was to cancel the 
crack pipe program, and he will have a chance to do so during the 
budget debate next month. His spokesman, Mike Patton, said the issue 
is not a priority for the mayor, but that he will vote to cut funding 
if it comes up.

Dr. Salisbury said cancelling the program would put public health at 
risk, but Mr. Patton said the "good doctor needs to realize he 
reports to council.

"He can make any sort of recommendation he sees fit, but at the end 
of the day, it's council's decision which programs they are going to support."

Dr. Salisbury said council spent $82,000 on these programs last year 
and is being asked to spend $59,000 in 2007.

He said those amounts are negligible, compared to the cost of 
treating people with HIV and hepatitis C, so cancelling either 
program wouldn't make economic sense.

Last year, a University of Ottawa study credited the crack-user 
program with radically reducing the sharing of drug paraphernalia, 
but also increasing the amount of crack smoking. The study was funded 
by federal, provincial and city governments.

University of Ottawa epidemiologist Lynne Leonard said despite the 
increase in crack use, there was "significant scientific evidence" 
that shows the program reduces the harm associated with crack smoking.

She said study officials saw "a huge, significant decrease in the use 
of injected drugs, which is far more risky than smoking."

Earlier this week, it was reported that an opinion poll showed 
two-thirds of Canadians believe the federal government should treat 
drug abuse as a medical problem, requiring more prevention and 
treatment programs.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman