Pubdate: Fri, 19 Aug 2016
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: Mike Humphries
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n558/a02.html

INJECTION SITES ARE JUST TO GET ADDICTS HIGH

To the editor:

Re: Rash of Drug Overdoses Speeding Up Needing for Local Safe Injection 
Site, Aug. 10 Kelowna Capital News.

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&e's,
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 lifestyle
choice that everyone should realize has consequences.

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

If Interior Health has extra funds in their 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 Canada 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: Matt