DRUGS: ANOTHER SET OF FACTS

Switzerland, Germany and Spain have years of experience with
harm-reduction programs such as needle exchanges in prisons. Studies
of these programs have been uniformly positive, reporting no negative
consequences, a finding confirmed by the Public Health Agency of
Canada when it reviewed the scientific literature and supported by
the Canadian and Ontario Medical Associations. We would indeed do
well to emulate this European approach.

RICHARD ELLIOTT

executive director, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network