VCH DOESN'T 'ANTICIPATE' GIVING PIPES TO KIDS

To the editor:

Re: "Vancouver crack pipe giveaway will include children," Sept. 14.

Mark Hasiuk's opinion piece on our upcoming safer crack smoking pilot
project misrepresented the facts to make his point. This project is
aimed at adults, not children, and we do not anticipate youth under 19
will be recipients of this service. A 12-year-old presenting for safer
crack smoking supplies is a child protection issue and would be
reported to the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD). If we
happen to be approached by youth under 19 for these services, they
will have to undergo an assessment. This could result in referrals to
health care, addictions care, a shelter, mental health or other
services. Our health care providers are professionals who are obliged
under law to contact MCFD or the police if any child protection or
other immediate risk issues are determined.

Dr. Patricia Daly,

chief medical health officer, Vancouver Coastal Health

(Editor's note: During her interview with the Courier, Dr. Reka
Gustafson made no mention of the MCFD, and despite Courier requests,
VCH has provided no policy documents about the pipe project.)