Pubdate: Sat, 01 Dec 2001 Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) Copyright: 2001 The Sydney Morning Herald Contact: http://www.smh.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441 Author: Paul Haege INJECTING SOME FACTS IN DRUGS DEBATE The claim that there have been 87 overdoses in the supervised injecting centre in the six months to October (Herald, November 28) needs clarification. This apparent increase in overdoses, which equates to three lives saved in a week, is greater than it has ever been and far greater than any other area in Australia and overseas. This much was admitted by the centre's medical director, Dr van Beek, who also claims that there have been no complaints to local MPs. Perhaps this is because Clover Moore and Tanya Plibersek are firmly behind the concept, as is a majority of South Sydney Council. The sad fact is that addicts are still shooting up in the streets and nothing much has really changed for those who live or make a living in Kings Cross. Paul Haege, Kings Cross Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Kings Cross, November 29. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart