Pubdate: Fri, 22 Nov 2002
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Stuart Myers
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2128/a01.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)

USED NEEDLES A SAFETY HAZARD

As an emergency paramedic who has worked in the Downtown Eastside area, I 
applaud Larry Campbell's plan to create safe injection sites.

One only has to take a short walk down the alleys to see the discarded 
needles left after drug use.

These used needles pose a safety hazard to us all.

As paramedics, we often risk getting stuck by a discarded "dirty" needle 
while responding to the medical needs of our patients.

Although this is a risk we are trained to be aware of, creating 
safe-injection sites may reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis or HIV 
from a needle left on the street.

Safe-injection sites may not be the cure for drug addiction, but they may 
be part of the solution.

Stuart Myers,

Port Coquitlam
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D