WHY DO PARENTS GET NEEDLE VETO?

Since when do a group of parents have the right to dictate what is
best for the community, including the homeless, addicts and those with
mental health issues? And why is the Vancouver Island Health Authority
allowing it? The new proposed needle exchange site was chosen because
of its proximity to Our Place, which offers housing and programs for
the homeless. Along with the proposed needle exchange, the building
would house about 50 health-care and social-service providers.

This is the best place for a needle exchange. It's not just about
getting new syringes, which is important in slowing the spread of AIDS
and hep C. It's about addressing mental health, abuse, counselling,
housing, life-skills training and making the connections with other
programs and services to improve quality of life. It's a safe place
where maybe some can catch a glimmer of hope that their life can change.

Addiction services should belong with social and health-care services.
We have a real opportunity here to improve things.

Catherine Davey,

Victoria