YES TO SAFE NEEDLE SITES

RE "Sound off on drugs" (Apr. 1): It's about time Toronto addressed
the needs of people with drug addictions in the city, including safe
needle sites, as part of an overall strategy similar to one used
successfully in Vancouver. People with addictions are not sinners or
criminals or morally weak. They are people with a profound problem,
and helping them makes as much sense as helping people with diabetes
or cancer. Without this help, society ends up picking up the pieces
through greater health care, policing and social service costs.
Rejecting a strategy because one disapproves of drug taking and
doesn't want to put money into dealing with it is being penny-wise and
pound-foolish.

John Butler

Vice President

Addictions Ontario

(Good luck selling the idea to most taxpayers)