INJECTING ROOMS SPLIT DRUG DEBATE

It is a sad day when a courageous decision to establish an injecting
facility (with health support services) is condemned as "sending the
wrong message" by those who should know better.

For years the Australian Drug Foundation has supported those who have
led a courageous and informed campaign, urging governments to trial
and evaluate new strategies to reduce drug-related harm and death. Old
strategies have had minimal effect. Heroin-related deaths continue to
rise. This stance is neither condoning drug use nor taking the easy
option. It is simply being practical, humane and striving to protect
public health.

Premier Carr's proposed injecting places will make life a little safer
for everyone - users and non-users alike. And the project will send
the right message - that as a community we care for those who have
serious health problems. And we can only care for living people.

BILL STRONACH,
Chief Executive,
Australian Drug Foundation,
Melbourne.