CRACK PIPES CUT HEALTH COSTS

A reader was "appalled" that some Victoria councillors have proposed
the distribution of crack pipes.

My immediate reaction is to respond in terms of my perspective:
Addiction is a social justice issue.

I will, however, respond based on the writer's concern --
economics.

Consider the cost of distributing disposable crack pipes to people who
are using substances. Now consider the cost of treating a person
(note: a person, not a "drug addict") living with hepatitis C, which
was transmitted through a shared crack pipe. You do the math.

Lorna Mace

Victoria