CANADA CANNOT AFFORD TO EMULATE UNITED STATES

Re: Harm Reduction: Helping Addicts Feel Human, March 8 Page 13

Regarding Patrick Mooney's March 8 op-ed, the need for harm reduction
alternatives to the drug war is best exemplified by the tragic
experience of Canada's southern neighbor. United States Centers for
Disease Control researchers estimate that 57 percent of AIDS cases
among women and 36 percent of overall AIDS cases in the U.S. are
linked to injection drug use or sex with partners who inject drugs.
This easily preventable public health crisis is a direct result of
zero tolerance laws that restrict access to clean syringes. Canada
cannot afford to emulate the harm maximization policies of the former
land of the free and current record holder in citizens incarcerated.

Sincerely,

- -Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst, Washington, DC

Common Sense for Drug Policy

www.csdp.org