Pubdate: Sat, 21 Jul 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Martin Battle
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

ACTION NEEDED NOW FOR ADDICTION WOES

Regarding the controversy surrounding safe-injection sites, could 
someone please explain the benefits? All I've heard is that they save 
money for the health-care system by reducing overdoses and the spread 
of infectious diseases.

Do the sites prevent the addicts from overdosing at other locations? 
Will these drug sites help these unfortunate individuals get off 
their addiction?

Needle exchanges in themselves are not the answer. What is needed is 
for all three levels of government to co-operate and implement the 
services required. The province's $4.1-billion "profit" shows 
assistance could and should be forthcoming.

As a suggestion, perhaps the new building under construction on 
Pandora Street for Our Place would be a good location for a 
rehabilitation facility. Another suggestion would be to consider 
making use of the facilities that Our Place will be moving out of 
when their new building is completed.

Martin Battle,

Victoria.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman