IT'S TIME TO GET REAL ABOUT NEEDLE NEEDS

Editor, the Times:

I am not usually motivated to write letters to the editor but I am
increasingly frustrated by our community's lack of participation in
needle exchange programs. There is the ongoing debate over whether or
not drug addiction is a disease.

This is irrelevant. What is germane to this discussion is that drug
addicts who share needles present a public health risk. By providing
clean needles the transmission of blood-borne diseases is limited.

John Redekop's letter of Nov. 12 (Defining moment for drugs), is
disturbing and I suspect reflects the thinking of many of
Abbotsford's citizens, including members of our city council.

He goes on about how addiction "is caused not by microbes but by bad
behavior." He even notes that addiction is a choice and cannot be a
disease because it "is not carried by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, wasps
or bats." Newsflash Mr. Redekop, many diseases are not caused by
infectious processes (e.g. cancer, mental illness or heart disease)
so your argument is faulty.

At the heart of Mr. Redekop's thinking is that addicts are
blameworthy and should they choose to change their ways, then our
community is willing to offer "compassion, understanding and charity."

However, if the addict continues to indulge in substance abuse, he or
she does not deserve to have the deleterious effects of such use
minimized. It's their fault if they get blood borne diseases.

I feel ashamed that the limited perspectives of individuals such as
Mr. Redekop and members of our city council necessitate the Fraser
Health Authority having to pussyfoot around us on this important
public heath issue.

Karen Belix Moore,

Abbotsford