HARM REDUCTION EFFORT AN IMPORTANT STRATEGY

To the Editor,

Re: Crack kit program suspended, June 21.

When looking at harm reduction strategies such as the crack kit
program, it is important to realize that harm reduction strategies
focus on reducing harms for the indivdual using the substance, their
families and the community at large.

Research and literature indicates that the availability of crack kits
can result in the reduction in injection of crack, transmission of
disease, while developing education and support for people using
crack, leading to greater safety and health for all.

By forcing the suspension of this program, unfortunately we create a
gap affecting all members of our communities while leading to a
greater victimization of people who use crack.

We must always remember that harm reduction strategies save the lives
of people using substances and the community at large.

Jim Watkin

London, Ont.