NANAIMO NEEDS SAFE INJECTION

To the Editor,

I am involved with health care and see first hand the epidemic of
addiction within Nanaimo.

I also see it on our own streets. I agree with the opening of a
supervised injection site within Nanaimo.

Supervised injection sites have much to offer and have many benefits
that can improve the impact that addictions have on a community.

The four pillar approach has been adopted by Vancouver for reducing
drug related harm. These four pillars include prevention, treatment,
harm reduction and enforcement.

Enforcement involves the co-operation of the RCMP to target drug
traffickers and producers. The four pillars ensure involvement from
many aspects as well as support within the community.

Some of the positive factors that make these supervised injection
sites a benefit to the community include: access to treatment or
medical care, a decrease in the incidence of diseases such as HIV and
Hepatitis, a decrease in drug overdose, a decrease in strain on beds
at the hospital due to treatments within the safe injection site
facility and education for those suffering from addiction.

The supervised injection site (INSITE) in Vancouver has aided
individuals in the recovery process from addiction by providing
counseling and tools that these individuals can access.

I hope people within our community will better understand the
benefits of a supervised injection site.

Nanaimo is in desperate need of some innovative changes to make a
difference in this community.

Kelley Dennis

Nanaimo