Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jan 2008
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Robin Tomlin

CRACK-PIPE PLAN WILL LIMIT SPREAD OF DISEASE

I applaud B.C.'s health ministry for offering addicts free crack-pipe
mouthpieces to help combat diseases like hepatitis C.

The provincial government is recognizing the importance of prevention
of these diseases, rather than treating the addiction problem as a
criminal, social problem.

Prevention is far less expensive than treatment or incarceration.

Isolating drug users in a controlled area does not stop the spread of
a virus that knows no boundaries and shows no discrimination.

The Province's reporting of the news can be much criticized. Instead
of emphasizing words like "free" and "crack addicts" in your
headlines, you should consider something like "free health care to
addicts," which we all receive by right as citizens of Canada.

To care is to help. So let's all care for one another as we
should.

It could be you or me out there waiting for help.

Robin Tomlin

Let's Find A Way Society, Robson
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin