Pubdate: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Christie Wall NEEDLE EXCHANGE WELCOME FACILITY Why, in a society where everyone knows someone who is addicted to something, are we still debating the efficacy and necessity of harm reduction? What if your mother was addicted to crack (or gambling)? And don't say it couldn't happen; I know many mothers who have addiction issues. Would you not want her to be able to access clean syringes, counselling or food? What if your daughter developed a meth habit? Would you wish HIV/AIDS upon her? And if your brother had a heroin addiction, would you deny him housing and support? The people you see hunting along the pavement for crack or asking you for change are just that, people. They deserve the same respect available to any other person in our society. They deserve chances to take care of themselves, to access housing, to have somebody listen. They might need to take care of themselves in some different ways than people who don't use drugs. They need clean syringes. They need access to information on safer drug use until such time as they no longer want or need to use. And they need to have a safe space to go. The needle exchange provides these services and is welcome in my backyard, any day. Christie Wall Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom