PUBLIC WANTS RESULTS FROM HELPING ADDICTS

In the light of the recent poll concerning the provision of safe injection
sites, Mayor Larry Campbell had better make sure strict records are kept of
the number of addicts using the site (Injection sites supported, but with
treatment, Dec. 28). This would include how many of them have been
persuaded to take treatment and, having done so, how many have returned to
drug-free and productive lives. Unless these figures are forthcoming within
a reasonable period, public support will quickly disappear.

The taxpayer is already spending great amounts of money on the needle
exchange program, but the drug problem has got worse. Needles are being
scattered on our streets and in our schoolyards. The addict community also
still has the highest rate of new AIDS cases.

The poll results show that, although the public is willing to give the new
program a try, it is not interested in merely supplying a place where
addicts can continue their destructive habit.

I suggest the majority of taxpayers are willing to have their money go
toward rescuing addicts from their addictions provided a certain amount of
responsibility is shown toward making use of the help.

Elvey Martin

Vancouver