A TWO-PER-CENT PROBLEM

Police and community activists report that 5,000 to 6,000 needles are
discarded improperly around Ottawa. That is two per cent of the
300,000 distributed through the harm reduction programs -- even less
if we add needles purchased locally. More that 98 per cent are
handled properly with the efforts of community agencies and
pharmacies. Focusing on this tiny problem with the harm reduction
programs takes the public's attention away from the good that is
being done. Prevention programs to educate young people about the
dangers of experimenting with drugs and treatment of addicts before
their health and lives are destroyed are more constructive to
decreasing Ottawa's drug problem.

Melissa Coleman, Ottawa