A POOR SOLUTION

It is a sad day indeed for public health in the City of Ottawa.
Council's abrupt decision to end the distribution of safer crack use
kits to drug users in the area is a monumental blow to what otherwise
might have been a promising four-pillar drug strategy.

In removing the harm reduction component, council is taking away a
widely used, highly effective method of preventing transmission of
hepatitis, HIV and other communicable infections related to such drug
use, and all for a measly $7,500 a year in tax dollars. Saving six to
12 lives a year for $7,500 is a pretty amazing deal.

Ending this excellent, progressive program, which also increases
access for a marginalized population to health and other social
services, is absolutely not an appropriate solution to ease the valid
concerns of Sandy Hill residents and businesspeople. Surely there is
another way. It's worth it to all residents of Ottawa to find one.

Beth Lusk, RN

Ottawa