Pubdate: Sun, 04 Dec 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Susan Abells
Page: A11

SAY YES TO SUPERVISED CONSUMPTION SITES

The stigma associated with mental health and addictions is so strong,
it takes courage to stand up and say: Yes, we all deserve to receive
the supports and treatment we need.

One in five people experiences a serious mental-health or addiction
issue in their life, and the economic and social impacts are greater
than that of cancer. However, with supports and treatment, people can
and do recover.

I'm thankful our governments and health authorities are stepping up to
say yes - supervised consumption sites are needed. These sites are not
just a way of preventing overdose, but are a gateway to supports and
treatment. They are also standing up and saying yes to affordable
supportive and supported housing.

Preventing pointless deaths and providing dignified housing options
for people experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions are
finally coming out of the shadows and are being recognized as both a
crisis and a priority.

As a community, we must overcome our antipathy to drugs and the people
who use them, and stand up and say yes.

Susan Abells

Victoria
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt