DRUG TOLL WORSENS, POLITICAL WILLPOWER STILL MISSING

The last time I wrote about the drug crisis in B.C., the death toll from
overdoses this year had gone above 200 people.

That was three months ago. In what is becoming a depressingly familiar
update, I can report that deaths from overdoses in this province are now
above 300 for the year.

To be precise, 303 deaths as of Oct. 21, with 213 of those occurring in the
Lower Mainland.

One would think that by now, such a horrendous roll call of death, repeated
year after year, would have spurred our three levels of government into
taking bold, rapid measures to start saving lives.

But no. Still, there is no comprehensive plan in place. No politician in a
position of authority has stepped forward to lead the process.

Stacks of reports have been written on drug abuse and how to deal with it,
and a consensus is apparent in many of the recommendations. Instead of
moving ahead on these areas of agreement, the public and the politicians
waste precious time bickering over controversial suggestions such as
safe-injection sites and clinical heroin maintenance trials.

Former premier Mike Harcourt has the right idea. In a recent article he
outlined a plan that has even won the support of hardline Reform MP John
Reynolds.

In addition to the usual calls for tough policing of drug dealers, Harcourt
wants expanded methadone and possibly heroin treatment programs. He wants
expanded detox centres, more facilities for the mentally ill, a drug court,
federal funding for low-income housing, and expanded drug and alcohol
treatment programs in every Lower Mainland community.

"He's right," says Reynolds, a law-and-order man who also recognizes that
busting heads alone won't solve the dilemma.

"It's going to take leadership, and it's going to take money," says
Reynolds. "Well, this is a wealthy country."

East Vancouver MP Libby Davies, who wants clinical heroin trials, and
Vancouver-Richmond health board member Bud Osborn, who wants trials of
safe-injection sites, have both met recently with federal Health Minister
Allan Rock and say he's well-informed about the issues at hand.

Presumably Premier Glen Clark, B.C. Health Minister Penny Priddy and
Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen are also well-informed. The question is why
they haven't yet sat down at the same table to enact a common-sense plan
like Harcourt's.

While they're at it, they should read up on European successes with a
harm-reduction approach to drug abuse, which includes safe-injection sites
in Germany, Switzerland and Holland.

In Frankfurt, for example, drug overdose deaths fell to 31 in 1996 from 147
in 1991. Trafficking, smuggling, drug-related crime and costly court
appearances have all been reduced. Here at home, we ignore these victories
and continue to rely on the failed, criminal-based "War on Drugs."

Davies correctly notes that co-operation from all governments is essential.

Ottawa to approve heroin trials, restore money (axed in 1993) for
low-income urban housing and add health funds for the drug emergency now
declared in Vancouver.

Victoria to commit resources for detox, rehabilitation, treatment and other
support services. And the municipalities to build region-wide resources as
recommended by medical health officer Dr. John Blatherwick, who notes the
problem now exists in virtually every community.

Governments can find money when they have to. The cost of doing nothing, in
human, economic and social terms, far outweighs the cost of needed
programs. How many more must die before Rock, Clark and Owen make the
necessary moves?

Jim McNulty's voice mail: 605-2094. E-mail: jmcnulty@pacpress.southam.ca