DRUG USE A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

Re: Stern message to Ottawa, Oct. 2

In light of the Supreme Court ruling on safe injection sites, it is
absolutely critical that the city of Toronto now gets on board and
supports this proven and cost-effective public health initiative.
Safe injection sites reduce the odds/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.

The Atlantic City, N.J. 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 United States all states now have needle
exchange programs.

An important issue/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 re-consider the
horrific consequences of their opposition to a proven,
cost-effective, evidence-based program which 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, indeed, about time we start treating drug use and drug
addiction for what it is -- 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.

Politics aside, it is about time all policies affecting the health
and safety of all citizens conform with science.

Emile Therien,

Ottawa