PREVENTABLE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

RE: "PIPE-DREAM solution," (April 8). Before Jose Rodriguez condemns harm
reduction interventions like safe crack kits, he should consider the
experience of Canada's southern neighbour. U.S. Centers for Disease Control
researchers estimate that 57% of AIDS cases among women and 36% 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. Can Canada afford to emulate the harm maximization policies of
the former land of the free and current record holder in citizens incarcerated?

Robert Sharpe,

policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.

(Crack addicts share their pipes because they can't finish their whole hit,
not because they're generous.)