EXPERTS UNITED ON NEEDLE EXCHANGE

As a 64-year-old concerned, retired teacher-counsellor, I am proud to
be part of Harm Reduction Victoria, a grassroots organization
advocating for public health services for people who use illicit
drugs. Most people have some family member or know someone struggling
with addictions, and surely all citizens have a responsibility to
insure that harm reduction is practised to the fullest possible
extent in our community.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority's service plan describes its
role as "ensuring comprehensive needle exchange services are
provided" in Closing the Gap: Integrated HIV/AIDS and Hep C Strategic
Directions for VIHA.

The Mayor's Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness,
Addictions and Homelessness recommended "strengthening harm reduction
services to help mitigate public health and public order issues; in
particular investigating the use of substitution therapies and indoor
supervised consumption sites."

Researchers, including B,C,'s provincial health officer, called on
relevant authorities to implement a supervised consumption site (SCS)
in Victoria, noting that, "The SCS concept already has the support of
Victoria city council and the Victoria Police chief." Spring 2008

Every person has a right to consistent, non-judgmental, accessible
health care, and harm reduction is an essential part of that provision.

One year is too long to wait.

Beverly Brookman

Saanich