Pubdate: Fri, 19 Aug 2016
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Page: A9
Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Mike Humphries

SAY NO TO DRUG INJECTION SITES

What a terrible message Interior Health is giving to our youth, not 
only that intravenous drug use is OK, but come on down to their site 
and they'll supply the equipment and show you how to use it.

What happens after the addict gets high? Do the nurses drive them 
home or just put them on their bikes or behind the wheel of a car to 
cause mayhem on the roads?

Where do the drug users get the money to purchase their illegal drugs?

Well, think about it. They have to commit criminal offences - B and 
E, theft from vehicles, shoplifting and armed robberies. The actions 
of IH are therefore tantamount to aiding and abetting the commission 
of crimes. Many of the crimes being committed in Kelowna are a direct 
result of addicts having to get money to pay for their habit.

Some health professionals go as far as to suggest that drug addiction 
is a disease. It is not. Cancer is a disease, drug use is a 
life-style choice that everyone should realize has consequences.

Wouldn't funds be better spent in having a drug dependency treatment 
center so that these addicts might get clean and become productive 
members of society rather than promoting a criminal drug dependent lifestyle?

If Interior Health has extra funds in its coffers to hire nurses and 
facilities, might I suggest that the money would be better spent in 
opening more walk-in clinics or hiring more doctors for the emergency 
department so that the law-abiding citizens of Kelowna don't have to 
wait for hours on end to get medical treatment.

Perhaps Health and Welfare will reject the injection site 
application, but I won't be sitting on pins or needles for that to happen!

Mike Humphries, Kelowna
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom