Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2000
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  GPO Box 3771, Sydney NSW 2001
Fax: +61-(0)2-9282 3492
Website: http://www.smh.com.au/
Forum: http://forums.fairfax.com.au/
Author: L. G. Allen

GIVE INJECTING ROOM A CHANCE

If you want to spend a very dull afternoon or evening, set yourself up
outside the needle exchange centre on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.

No drama - and Sam at the fruit stall on the street outside will tell
you that is normal.

The customers are pretty ordinary, a bit younger than average. Most IV
drug users give it away before age 35.

I am sure you would be as concerned as I am to think that anyone of
them could die from an overdose for want of a safe injecting room.

I am full of admiration for the Uniting Church trying to open one at
66 Darlinghurst Road, opposite the railway station entrance. It is
trying to save lives, not just souls (I am not a Christian).

 From what I can gather, its efforts are being frustrated by
politicians, local and State, even the PM. It's understandable - there
are no votes in it.

If users (not all are addicts) were to come in contact with
well-motivated health professionals, I am sure it would save a great
deal of suffering and deaths.

The proposed site is ideal, central and could only improve the area
from a business and aesthetic viewpoint.

L.G. Allen, Elizabeth Bay.
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MAP posted-by: Allan Wilkinson