DROP BOXES USEFUL BUT BIGGER EFFORT NEEDED

Thank you for the article that expressed the concerns I had about
discarded syringes and the issue of needle drop boxes.

I would like to highlight a few additional points. The Cormorant
Street situation is most definitely a concern for everyone in that
area, but I must mention that there is needle use and dropped
syringes in other parts of the city as well. Also, regarding concerns
about needles found at South Park School recently, I must add that
although there is some evidence that a few of those camping in Beacon
Hill Park may be responsible, it must be remembered that not all
homeless people are drug users, and more important, not all drug
users are homeless.

Addicts did not choose to become addicts. All people make decisions
about whether to try something that may be addictive (smoking,
gambling, drug use), but only a certain percentage actually become
addicts. Their addiction becomes a health issue.

And when you are an addict and homeless, the alleys, side streets and
parking lots may become the areas that you use. Syringe pickup
programs and needle drop boxes are certainly parts of a
harm-reduction solution, and a benefit where public perception of our
city is concerned.

The reality is that drug addiction is in and affects all our
communities. The real solutions are things like education on
addiction in schools, detox on demand, support after detox and
supportive housing.

Charlayne Thornton-Joe,

councillor,

Victoria.