Pubdate: Mon, 10 Feb 2014
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2014 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Jessica Hume

AID WORKER PIPES UP

Claims Feds Don't Care About Addict's Recovery, Wellbeing

OTTAWA - An addiction worker behind Canada's first crack pipe vending 
machines has shot back at the government's lack of support, saying if 
they "really cared about people, they would at least fund detox and 
treatment programs."

Vancouver 's Drug Users Resource Centre (DURC) set up two vending 
machines that sell crack pipes for a quarter. They were installed six 
months ago but made headlines recently, prompting Public Safety 
Minister Steven Blaney to issue a swift and emphatic response.

"Drug use damages the health of individuals and the safety of our 
communities," Blaney said in a statement. "This government supports 
treatment that ends drug use, including limiting access to drug 
paraphernalia by young people."

DURC's Mark Townsend said the government means well but misses the 
point when it comes to the "complex issue" of drug addiction. He 
challenges Blaney to "come on down, I'll show you the treatment 
centre where (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper just gutted funding from."

Townsend said even if the government is against injection centres and 
crack pipe vending machines, its lack of funding for treatment and 
detox centres belies its claims it cares about Canadians.

His argument is clean pipes reduce transmission of HIV, hepatitis C 
and other communicable diseases.

"We encourage and embrace safe practices," he said. "It protects all 
of us and saves money."

Asked whether the machines could potentially attract young people, 
Townsend said the message is for safe practices, not to encourage drug use.

"Condoms are available in vending machines," he said. "And crack 
pipes are sold in stores across the country."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom