Pubdate: Sun, 07 Jul 2013
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Emile Therien
Page: A10
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n318/a05.html

SAFE INJECTION SITES A NO-BRAINER

Re: Doctor urges Toronto to back safe injection site, July 3

Kudos to Dr. Philip Berger for advocating for such an effective and
proven public health measure. It is absolutely critical that the city
of Toronto gets 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 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, N.J. 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 United States 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 who oppose these sites should
re-consider the horrific consequences of their opposition to a proven,
cost-effective, evidence-based program that 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, indeed, 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
depoliticizing health. Is Toronto up to this challenge?

Emile Therien, Ottawa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt