THE FACTS ARE IN ABOUT INSITE

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Canadian public he would make a
decision about Insite, Vancouver's supervised injection site, after
all the research was in.

The research is in and indicates Insite saves lives, saves tax
dollars, reduces public disorder, deters drug use, has not attracted
new drug users and helps users of the site find detox and treatment
options. Insite has taken one million injections out of our back
alleys, and no one has died.

For Health Minister Tony Clement to question the moral judgment of
health professionals who support Insite ignores millions of dollars'
worth of research and evaluation.

Peer-reviewed, non-partisan researchers, unbiased medical
professionals and the people who make use of Insite all tell the same
story: supervised injection sites work. They reduce deaths from
overdoses, giving users another day to seek treatment; they help keep
needles off the streets; they help prevent the spread of blood-borne
diseases associated with drug use.

Mr. Harper and his health minister are using fear in an attempt to
cloud the facts. Mr. Harper, we at Insite again extend to you, or any
member of your government, the opportunity to see our facility and the
work that is done here, so you can understand the importance of our
work.

The reality is: Insite provides one piece of the complex puzzle needed
to help some Canadians overcome drug addiction. To be rehashing the
same old arguments against harm reduction is depressingly immoral and
unethical. What Canada needs is a real comprehensive strategy to
address drug addiction.

Liz Evans

Vancouver

nurse and Executive Director of the PHS Community Services Society
which operates InSite.