SAFE-INJECTION SITE NEEDS MORE RESEARCH

Re: "Safe-injection site a proven success," Dec. 17.

Even though some benefits could certainly accrue from such a site I
question whether it is the best use of tax dollars. Already money is
stretched thin in almost every government department.

An earlier article in the Times Colonist stated operating an
injection site for Victoria would cost $1.5 million a year but reduce
medical costs and save six to seven lives a year.

Before such a site is approved the benefits should be compared to
potential benefits from other uses of the same tax dollars -- like
more MRIs to decrease long waiting lists thereby reducing pain and
lost lives, vastly improved foster-care programs to help our most
disadvantaged children or improved drug rehabilitation programs.

A safe-injection site might do some good, but let's be certain before
we leap that it truly is the best use of scarce tax dollars. More
research is a good idea.

J.E. Harper,

Victoria.