Pubdate: Mon, 10 Jun 2013
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Emile Therien
Page: 8

SAFE-INJECTION SITES CRITICAL

Re: City drug-injection site faces new hurdles, June 7.

It is absolutely critical that the City of Ottawa get on board and
support safe injection sites. It is, indeed, the right thing to do. We
simply cannot ignore the scientific evidence. The issue at hand is
public health, not politics. And the evidence speaks for itself.

Safe injection sites also reduce the odds/chances that police officers
will be exposed to HIV in the course of their work. This fact is
recognized by many police services in the United States. A case in
point. The Atlantic City, New Jersey police in December 2008 supported
that city's then new needle exchange program, primarily because it
reduces the odds their members will be exposed to HIV infection in
their work. For the record, in the U.S., all states now have needle
exchange programs.

An important issue/concern at hand for police services is the health
and safety of their members. For police administrations and police
unions, this should be a workplace safety issue. They should not put
the health and safety of police officers at risk. Those in the
policing community, including Chief Charles Bordeleau who oppose these
sites should reconsider the horrific consequences of their opposition
to a proven, cost-effective, evidence-based program which reduces the
harmful side effects of drug use and, in the process, enhances the
safety of police officers and other emergency workers. It should be
noted that based on scientific evidence, the Vancouver Police
Department supported the continuance of that city's supervised
injection site.

It is about time we start treating drug use and drug addiction for
what it is, namely a public health problem. And when evidence-based
research shows harm reduction programs, including safe injection
sites, are good for public health, everyone - politicians, police
services, and other concerned organizations and individuals - should
take note.

Politics aside, it is about time all policies affecting the health and
safety of all citizens conform with science. It is called
de-politicizing health. Is this city administration up to this challenge?

Emile Therien, Public health and safety advocate, Ottawa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt