Pubdate: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2007, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Kelley Dennis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) NANAIMO NEEDS SAFE INJECTION To the Editor, I am involved with health care and see first hand the epidemic of addiction within Nanaimo. I also see it on our own streets. I agree with the opening of a supervised injection site within Nanaimo. Supervised injection sites have much to offer and have many benefits that can improve the impact that addictions have on a community. The four pillar approach has been adopted by Vancouver for reducing drug related harm. These four pillars include prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. Enforcement involves the co-operation of the RCMP to target drug traffickers and producers. The four pillars ensure involvement from many aspects as well as support within the community. Some of the positive factors that make these supervised injection sites a benefit to the community include: access to treatment or medical care, a decrease in the incidence of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis, a decrease in drug overdose, a decrease in strain on beds at the hospital due to treatments within the safe injection site facility and education for those suffering from addiction. The supervised injection site (INSITE) in Vancouver has aided individuals in the recovery process from addiction by providing counseling and tools that these individuals can access. I hope people within our community will better understand the benefits of a supervised injection site. Nanaimo is in desperate need of some innovative changes to make a difference in this community. Kelley Dennis Nanaimo - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman