DISCARDED DRUG GEAR UNWELCOME AT BUSINESS

I am a manager at a small company in Woodstock and the opinion
expressed is of my own accord with no recourse or responsibility to
the owners of this company.

I have the responsibility for the health and safety of my employees as
well as any visitors that may enter into my facility.

Last week some discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia where
found outside our entrance. I contacted the necessary organization in
town to have these items discarded in a safe manner.

My concern regarding this situation and my investigation through
different channels in the 'system' has made me conclude that there
appears to be a growing problem with I.V drug abuse in this community.
I understand that there is a need to give out needles to drug users to
help stop the spread of undesirable diseases.

But where is the protection for the rest of us?

Children who live in the neighbourhood are often found riding their
bicycles, skateboards etc. on the weekends in front of the building
and would be subject to exposure to these discarded items. My
employees and visitors who walk in and out of the door several hundred
times a year could also be exposed. How is anyone expected to protect
the non-drug users whose only intent is to provide for their families,
or to play, as children should? The police cannot patrol every
possible area of the city, security cameras aren't affordable for
small companies such as this one - what are we to do?

This may only be a symptom to a much bigger problem that stares us all
in the face yet we cannot see it.

I challenge all your readers to write to you and try and help this
community deal with this issue.

Perhaps you could allow a "speak out" column to appear in your paper
to allow anyone the opportunity to express their ideas and promote a
non-judgmental forum for any ideas "no matter how absurd it may read".

The hardest journey begins with our first step and, the most
incredible solutions develop from the most honest opinions.