Pubdate: Sat, 14 Apr 2012
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n216/a10.html
Author: Emile Therien

INJECTION SITES SHOULD BE SUPPORTED

Re: Three drug injection sites recommended for Toronto, two in Ottawa, April 11

It is absolutely critical that the cities of Ottawa and Toronto get 
on-board and support safe injection sites. Safe injection sites 
reduce the chances police officers will be exposed to HIV in the 
course of their work.

This fact is recognized by many police services in the United States. 
A case in point: the Atlantic City, New Jersey police in December 
2008 supported that city's then new needle exchange program primarily 
because it reduces the odds their members will be exposed to HIV 
infection in their work. For the record, in the U.S. all states now 
have needle exchange programs.

An important concern at hand for police services is the health and 
safety of their members. For police administrations and police 
unions, this should be a workplace safety issue. They must not put 
the health and safety of police officers at risk.

Those in the policing community who oppose these sites should 
reconsider the horrific consequences of their opposition to a proven, 
cost-effective, evidence-based program that reduces the harmful side 
effects of drug use, and in the process enhances the safety of police 
officers and other emergency workers. It should be noted that based 
on scientific evidence, the Vancouver Police Department supported the 
continuance of that city's supervised injection site.

It is about time we start treating drug use and drug addiction for 
what it is, namely a public health problem. And when evidence-based 
research shows harm reduction programs, including safe injection 
sites, are good for public health, everyone - politicians, police 
services, and other concerned organizations and individuals - should take note.

Emile Therien,

Public Health & Safety Advocate, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom