Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jan 2012
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2012 Gerald van Gurp
Contact: http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/letters.html
Website: http://www.montrealgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Gerald van Gurp
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n742/a05.html

SAFE-INJECTION SITES: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF
OTHERS

Re: "Injection sites our moral imperative" (Gazette, Dec. 29).

Henry Aubin makes a very good suggestion in calling for a public 
discussion in which both the benefits of supervised injection 
programs and public concerns about these innovative programs can be 
fully aired.

It is important that the discussion be informed by the considerable 
experience in Canada and internationally with supervised injection sites.

These programs have been a part of addiction services in many 
European countries since the mid-1980s; they were established in 
response to conditions very similar to those that exist in Montreal: 
drug-overdose deaths, HIV transmission among injection drug users, 
public drug use and the desire to help those with addictions to get treatment.

The Vancouver supervised injection site, in operation since 2003, 
saves lives by preventing drug-overdose deaths; reducing the 
transmission of deadly blood-borne infections such as HIV and 
hepatitis C; connecting street drug users with health services, 
including drug-treatment programs and supportive housing; and 
improving public order in streets and parks.

More than 30 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals 
have demonstrated these outcomes.

Vancouver's supervised injection site has shown that this kind of 
program can exist in a residential and commercial neighbourhood 
without creating any of the feared negative outcomes.

The European injection sites also demonstrate this.

Aubin is right about the moral imperative. Refusing to implement 
programs with such a solid body of scientific evidence behind them 
would not be the moral choice in this situation.

As a physician who has worked in many parts of Montreal over the past 
30 years, has had direct contact with injection-drug users in my 
practice and lives in an area where injection-drug use is not 
uncommon, I can only agree that we must get on with implementing 
these important health interventions for some of our most 
marginalized residents.

Gerald van Gurp, MD

Emergency Department, St. Mary's Hospital Centre

Faculty of Medicine, McGill University

Montreal
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