SAFE-INJECTION SITES WORK

Re: Safe-Injection Sites On Way, Critics Fear, Aug. 13.

What exactly is there to fear? A safer, cleaner, humane way of dealing
with a serious problem?

I fully support safe-injection sites as a progressive part of
combatting the drug problem. The people using these kinds of sites are
drug addicts. -- they are human beings with a problem. Shunning them
and forcing them to use back-allies and dirty equipment is a much
greater burden on society than providing them with a secure, safe,
clean environment to do what they are going to do anyway.

In addition, the safe and proper disposal of needles is far more
desirable than finding them all over parks, alleyways and residents'
back yards. Plus the benefits of more support, education and social
services can only help improve the quality of these peoples' lives.
Finally, I don't think any evidence exists to suggest that
safe-injection sites encourage or promote drug use.

Let's deal with these people with compassion and empathy, and help
them with their problems in a humane and healthy way.

Tom Andrews, Toronto.