FERRY BLURS LINES

Jon Ferry recently criticized the "blurring of the lines between
political activism and scientific research" by citing an article
written by discredited pseudo-scientists who recognize no such lines.

The article criticizes a study published in the Lancet medical journal
supporting Vancouver's safe injection site, InSite, arguing that there
were mistakes in the methodology. It was the work of a notorious group
of right-wing physicians and activists infamous in Australia for their
evangelical and dubiously researched work opposing harm-reduction models.

By amplifying this group's claims, Ferry is further "blurring the
lines" between ideology and science in a debate with clear
consequences. To close InSite would be to give up on those suffering
from drug addiction. The harm-reduction approach is about attempting
to give addicts a chance to stay alive long enough to ultimately make
the move into recovery.

While the debates over InSite rage, we, in conjunction with the
province, have opened up two detox and treatment facilities. InSite
continues to save lives and supporting research has continued to be
published in credible, peer-reviewed publications.

Russell Maynard

InSite