Pubdate: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. Contact: http://woodstocksentinelreview.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385 Author: Troy Douma DISCARDED DRUG GEAR UNWELCOME AT BUSINESS I am a manager at a small company in Woodstock and the opinion expressed is of my own accord with no recourse or responsibility to the owners of this company. I have the responsibility for the health and safety of my employees as well as any visitors that may enter into my facility. Last week some discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia where found outside our entrance. I contacted the necessary organization in town to have these items discarded in a safe manner. My concern regarding this situation and my investigation through different channels in the 'system' has made me conclude that there appears to be a growing problem with I.V drug abuse in this community. I understand that there is a need to give out needles to drug users to help stop the spread of undesirable diseases. But where is the protection for the rest of us? Children who live in the neighbourhood are often found riding their bicycles, skateboards etc. on the weekends in front of the building and would be subject to exposure to these discarded items. My employees and visitors who walk in and out of the door several hundred times a year could also be exposed. How is anyone expected to protect the non-drug users whose only intent is to provide for their families, or to play, as children should? The police cannot patrol every possible area of the city, security cameras aren't affordable for small companies such as this one - what are we to do? This may only be a symptom to a much bigger problem that stares us all in the face yet we cannot see it. I challenge all your readers to write to you and try and help this community deal with this issue. Perhaps you could allow a "speak out" column to appear in your paper to allow anyone the opportunity to express their ideas and promote a non-judgmental forum for any ideas "no matter how absurd it may read". The hardest journey begins with our first step and, the most incredible solutions develop from the most honest opinions. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath