Harm reduction strategy

In response to Safe injection sites

While I understand the argument Bethany Wright is trying to make, it is important to understand that safe injection sites are part of a "harm-reduction" strategy to drug addiction.

Safe injection sites offer clean hypodermic needles, a safe place to use drugs that otherwise would be used in public under the supervision of medical professionals, safe disposal of used hypodermics, and can put addicts in touch with treatment resources they otherwise may not have had access to.

This approach mitigates the impact of intravenous drug use by reducing the transmission of blood borne illnesses caused by sharing dirty needles which results in less strain healthcare resources. It also reduces the number of overdoses due to a high degree of supervision, which mitigates the strain on our emergency services. Further, it reduces the number of used needles disposed of in public places - making the downtown core SAFER for families - and may serve to direct those seeking treatment to the right places. 

As much as I understand Bethany's initial disgust, it's important to remember that these drugs will be used no matter what. If we can employ a harm-reduction strategy that improves public health, safety, and education, I'm all for it.

Brendan Skinner