Pubdate: Sun, 22 Dec 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

REDUCING DRUG OVERDOSES

Last July 2, Toronto Public Health urged the city of Toronto to open 
up safe-injection sites, based on research from Vancouver where such 
a site was opened years ago and other countries that show these sites 
are effective in reducing drug overdoses and reducing the risk of 
disease transmission. In September, Canada's first sanctioned 
supervised injection site celebrated 10 years of servicing the 
Downtown Eastside Community in Vancouver: 10 years, two million 
visitors and no deaths. It should also be noted that based on the 
scientific evidence the Vancouver Police Department has supported and 
continues to support this harm reduction program. This program 
certainly does not foster criminal activity.

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

Emile Therien, Public Health & Safety Advocate, Ottawa
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom