NEEDLE EXCHANGES NO CURE FOR DRUG WOES

Common sense dictates that everything should be done to eradicate drug
addiction. There are many programs, theories and services available to
help, but unfortunately, there always seems to be more addicts than programs.

In my view, education is one of the best preventative medicines. Programs,
such as "Disons Non" (Say No), sponsored by the Optimists Club, is a
wonderful example of how to instil power and motivate youngsters to stay
away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

If every school in the country had a similar program, I'm convinced our
next generation would be virtually drug free. Addiction recovery programs,
such as the one provided by Harvest House, focus on healthy living, ethics,
community and family integration and work skills.

These programs offer encouragement, hope and fellowship while treating the
addiction.

That's why I have such a hard time accepting needle exchange programs. I
can't for the life of me understand how giving a needle to a drug addict is
helping him or her in any way, shape or form. Needle exchange programs feed
their drug habit, just as giving booze to an alcoholic does. As parents, we
try to teach our kids the dangers of substance abuse, while our property
taxes pay for needles, vans and staff to help addicts get high. I've got a
problem with that.

We should be investing in more programs to help them kick the habit and
become productive citizens. Needle exchange programs, such as the one we
have in Ottawa, were introduced in Canada in 1989 in an attempt to thwart
the spread of HIV.

One would think that there would be hard, measurable evidence of success by
now. More creative measures to curb this ugly disease must continue, but
it's unconscionable that in doing so, our governments chose to put at risk
the community at large. Those most at risk are children. An innocent child,
perhaps playing in a sand box in the park, who might pick up a used
syringe. What about the risk to that child? How can local government
condone something that could hurt kids?

Another serious danger with needle exchange programs is that they send
dreadfully wrong messages to our young people. For one, a message that it
must be okay to take drugs, even if it's illegal; it must be okay if the
government is willing to support the habit with free needles. If needle
exchange programs are not akin to child abuse -- what is? And what
incentive is there for a drug user to get help, when its local government
flaunts needles at street corners?

It's not unrealistic to believe that this program reduces police officers'
ability to combat drug use and associated violence. The city of Ottawa's
needle exchange policy is filled with oxymorons and contradictions.

Let me give you a few examples. One section reads like this: "Needle
exchange services operate on the principle of recovering all needles that
are provided to clients .... no client will be refused needles on the basis
they do not have any used ones to exchange." Now that makes a lot of sense,
doesn't it?

"... IOU cards should be given to clients who return large quantities of
used needles and do not want to take the same number of clean needles." So
now we're in to banking needles for drugs!

"... upon a first visit, clients can be given 20 needles without having any
to return ... known clients can get clean needles without any in return if
the client is in the habit of returning needles in large quantities ...."
How generous!

"... if appropriate, the impacts which discarded needles have on the
community should be discussed ..." Well what do you know -- a policy that
acknowledges there may be problems with used syringes left lying around.
Too bad not much is being done about it.

A staff report states "the program strives to provide a discreet service to
clients." I guess the rest of us don't matter. How discreet is a van parked
in a neighbourhood, with drug users approaching to pick up their next
supply of needles, so that they can get a fix in the local park or schoolyard?

We are being fed a crock of bull that would have us believe there is no
danger because this is an "exchange" program, with safe zones and that most
needles are picked up and discarded by cleanup crews. We are somehow
supposed to feel comfort because addicts are "encouraged" to seek treatment.

Our local government is being allowed to continue this dangerous game of
Russian roulette because the public lets it.

LABELLED INTOLERANT

Most people won't speak up for fear of being labelled as intolerant or
non-compassionate. So they sit back and allow politicians to feed us
unsubstantiated stories that needle exchange programs draw addicts into
treatment and reduce the spread of HIV.

I've read four reports on needle exchange programs in North America and
while most state that the programs have been effective in decreasing HIV
drug-risk behaviours and in recruiting drug users to enter treatment, not
one report has any quantitative results or statistics to prove their claims.

In fact, a review of a University of California study on needle exchange
programs found that they "... do not definitely demonstrate decreases or
increases in HIV transmission ... studies are limited in their ability to
detect such changes ..." So why on Earth would governments put the
population in danger?

It has to stop before some innocent child dies or becomes infected by a
used needle. Parents and community leaders have the power to protect our
kids if city hall won't. The only way to do it is by getting involved and
speaking out.

So what if you are criticized by those who run the programs? We have a
right to our views and to where our money should be spent. I happen to
believe that needle exchange programs are not working, in fact they are
promoting a drug-addicted society. More than a few have spoken out against
Ottawa's program and SITE van, which has invaded our neighbourhoods.

DEAF EARS

Demands of more information, statistics and consultation have apparently
fallen on deaf ears.

I think the issue is serious enough that I will be dedicating my program on
CFRA on Sunday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon to discussing the impacts of
Ottawa's needle exchange program with a couple of community leaders who
also have their doubts. You will have the opportunity to give me your views
then too.