DOC'S COMMENTS A 'TOTAL DISTORTION'

I read with interest Marshall Smith's description of Baldy Hughes
Therapeutic Treatment and Addiction Center (Feb.17 - P.G. Citizen) too
as "Evan Wood, MD, PhD - Urban Health Initiative" did, and where as
commented on Feb. 20 stating that needle exchanges really do work.
Wow, what a total distortion by Mr. Evans basing his comments coming
from his beliefs based on the World Health Organization and supposed
"other scientic bodies"? My question? Has Mr. Wood MD, and PhD ever
visited and toured the Baldy Hughes Community and seen what really
takes place?

Do we really know the facts on success rates?

If we all took positions based on recommended guidelines whether it
was a by a world health authority or the government of any other
supposed governing body in a democratic society where would we be? The
needle exchange program in my view is just a bandaid solution to the
real issues and problems regarding drugs and how it affects
communities. Abstinance with a structure of community lifestyle with
the camaraderie support mechanisms in place (not continued needle
exchange) are part of the solutions. Remember Mr. Evans, MDs and PhDs
have been know also to be addicts too, so whose judgments and
recommendations do we trust?

Kudos to Mr. Marshall Smith for taking a strong and sincere stand in
his beliefs based on his directorship of Baldy Hughes and seeing the
real deal, not fabrication.

Jeff Kay

Prince George