Pubdate: Thu, 24 Apr 2008
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n417/a03.html
Author: Melissa Coleman

A TWO-PER-CENT PROBLEM

Police and community activists report that 5,000 to 6,000 needles are 
discarded improperly around Ottawa. That is two per cent of the 
300,000 distributed through the harm reduction programs -- even less 
if we add needles purchased locally. More that 98 per cent are 
handled properly with the efforts of community agencies and 
pharmacies. Focusing on this tiny problem with the harm reduction 
programs takes the public's attention away from the good that is 
being done. Prevention programs to educate young people about the 
dangers of experimenting with drugs and treatment of addicts before 
their health and lives are destroyed are more constructive to 
decreasing Ottawa's drug problem.

Melissa Coleman, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom