Pubdate: Fri, 08 May 2009
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Paul Fontaine
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites)

SAFE-INJECTION SITES HOT TOPIC AT MONDAY FORUM

Safe-injection sites were one of the main issues covered at the 
community forum on crime and addictions on Monday.

Daryl Plecas, who is on the criminology faculty at the University of 
the Fraser Valley, spoke at the forum and said he would even like the 
safe-injection model to be taken to the next level.

"We might want to entertain the notion of having the drugs for 
people," said Plecas.

Under the "supervised use site" model the crime that often 
accompanies the search for drugs may be lessened.

"People that use those [safe-injection facilities], many of them have 
victimized people to get there," he said.

The longtime criminology professor said if people knew the goal is to 
get addicts off of drugs, it may pick up speed with the municipal 
government and the community at-large.

Barry Shampz, a mental health and addictions working group member 
that organized the forum, said he was disappointed with the level of 
apathy in Abbotsford when it comes to dealing with people suffering 
from addictions and mental health problems.

"I was shocked that there was such little interest," said Shampz, who 
pointed to homelessness and addiction services not being on a recent 
priority list passed by Abbotsford city council, which included 
various projects and initiatives the city feels is important. 
Included was a new justice centre and solutions to transit problems 
in the city.

"Homelessness and poverty were not on the agenda. I am sensing quite 
a lack of interest with poverty and those at the bottom in 
Abbotsford," said Shampz, who added there was enthusiasm in 
Abbotsford for the idea of safe-injection sites, but many were afraid 
to speak in favour of it.

Plecas said the apathy in Abbotsford could just be a matter of people 
not having all the facts.

"People aren't knowledgeable about how many people in our community 
suffer from addiction and mental health issues," said Plecas. "There 
is no reason why Abbotsford can't take a leadership role on this."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom