DRUG PROBLEM NEEDS SOLUTIONS NOT COMMENTARY WITHOUT MERIT

To the editor:

Allen Garr's vitriolic column against Bryce Rositch and the Commmunity
Alliance ("Rositch to blame for feed-in frenzy," Dec. 24) deserves a
response.

Firstly, I have never seen evidence that this group "wants to get rid
of the downtrodden." Not once-never.

What they do question is the validity of "harm reduction." They are
not alone in this. At best, this approach may seem to be a way for
addicted people to be kept healthy and safe while involved in their
addiction.

At worst-and this is what we witness daily-it allows addicts to get
their needles, condoms, bleach etc. but without any improvement in
health, either their own or that of the community.

A form of harm reduction was central in the decision to establish
VanCity Place for Youth. Youth have been able to continue doing
whatever they do on the street, but within a nice facility. No
counselling, job training, boundaries or guidance was available.

It [VanCity Place for Youth] doesn't work, and I was not surprised to
hear that the facility will be closing down. Money and opportunities
down the drain again.

Many people are trying to become part of the solution on the Downtown
Eastside. I look forward to hearing about them in the Courier.

Cynthia Crampton,
Vancouver