Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Dr. Gillian Arsenault

NEEDLE EXCHANGE: THAT'S REALITY, NOT CONTRADICTION

Editor, The News:

Letter writer Lee Hanlon thinks that my advice to provide needle exchange 
for drug addicts somehow contradicts my advice to have no smoking in public 
places ('Oh, how Dr. Arsenault contradicts herself,' Opinion, Aug. 28). 
Where's the contradiction?

If people are going to inject drugs into themselves, then I think they 
should use clean needles. That way, they're less likely to get sick with 
horrible (and expensive and contagious) diseases.

If people have to breathe (and I haven't yet met anyone not on heart-lung 
bypass who doesn't), then I think they should breathe clean air. That way, 
they're less likely to get sick with horrible (and expensive, but not 
usually contagious) diseases.

That's reality!

Dr. Gillian Arsenault Past medical health officer Fraser Valley Health Region
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom