MP LIBBY DAVIES SUPPORTS SAFE-INJECTION SITE

VANCOUVER - NDP MP Libby Davies has joined doctors, criminologists
and Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan in calling for the city's supervised
safe-injection site to remain open.

In a letter to federal Health Minister Tony Clement, Davies, the MP
for the Downtown Eastside where the site is located, said Insite was
responsible for "reducing harm to so many of my constituents," and is
"strongly supported" in Vancouver.

North America's first safe-injection site operates under a Canada
Health Act exemption that permits it to oversee the safe taking of
drugs on its premises. However, that exemption is due to expire Sept.
12, and unless it is extended by the Conservative government, Insite
will close.

Davies enclosed a research summary from Vancouver Coastal Health
showing that the site has led to an increase of drug users who seek
detoxification programs and drug treatment, and that "453 overdoses
at Insite have resulted in no fatalities thanks to the availability
of qualified medical staff."