Pubdate: Sat, 02 Apr 2005 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2005, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/TorontoSun/home.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: John Butler YES TO SAFE NEEDLE SITES RE "Sound off on drugs" (Apr. 1): It's about time Toronto addressed the needs of people with drug addictions in the city, including safe needle sites, as part of an overall strategy similar to one used successfully in Vancouver. People with addictions are not sinners or criminals or morally weak. They are people with a profound problem, and helping them makes as much sense as helping people with diabetes or cancer. Without this help, society ends up picking up the pieces through greater health care, policing and social service costs. Rejecting a strategy because one disapproves of drug taking and doesn't want to put money into dealing with it is being penny-wise and pound-foolish. John Butler Vice President Addictions Ontario (Good luck selling the idea to most taxpayers) - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin