HARM REDUCTION AS A MEANS OF TREATING DRUG ADDICTION

In a recent editorial, The Province spoke of the need for a comprehensive
approach to the treatment of drug addiction in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Vancouver Coastal Health agrees -- and that's exactly what we are going to
do. Our proposed new supervised injection site will offer much more than
just harm reduction. This site will be a place where people in desperate
need can find help, counselling and a chance for recovery and treatment.

This project has the support of the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver
police, health-care workers and many others in our community. We all
believe this approach can make a huge difference to people's lives and to
the Downtown Eastside, making our region a safer, healthier place to live.

Linda Morris,

chief communications officer,

Vancouver Coastal Health