Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 Source: Oak Bay News (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Oak Bay News Contact: http://www.oakbaynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1346 Author: Daniel Tourigny CRACK KITS A FIRST STEP IN SOLUTION I applaud VIHA for deciding to distribute the crack harm-reduction kits (as I will call it) in consultation with the community. As distasteful as it may be to some, this - and substance addiction/abuse in general -- issue will only be solved with open minds and open hearts. I ask that, along with these kits, the provincial government and our communities take further steps toward providing treatment and counselling to those who want it. The government and the community should explore other pragmatic approaches to our social ills. And give up harmful moralistic judgments that only serve to ensure the problem remains. Daniel Tourigny Saanich - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom