Pubdate: Thu, 29 Dec 2016
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Reiner Specht
Page: 14

OUR LEADERS FAIL TO TAKE RIGHT ACTION TO FIX FENTANYL CRISIS

Re: 'Anguish' over girl's alleged drug death, Dec. 28

Management of our fentanyl crisis and the resultant deaths are a puzzling
disaster. Our governments and political leaders are dumbfounded, and
entrenched in ever-increasing band-aid solutions. More doctors and nurses,
more paramedics, more police and first-responders, more safe injection
sites, mobile medical units fully staffed with doctors and nurses, more
foot and bike patrols, more volunteers and readily available naloxone
kits. And yet, the death toll continues to rise month after month, now
having reached epidemic proportions.

To turn this crisis around, addicted people must have access to clean and
safe drugs in a medically controlled environment, dispensed by licensed
establishments. Once the life of an addict is stabilized, detox and
longterm rehabilitation centres have a reasonable chance of success. It
certainly would reduce the death toll, reduce crime, and eliminate the
profit motive for illicit drug dealers.

Our leaders are sitting on this piece of the puzzle and therefore must
take responsibility for the many deaths that have occurred. As of Nov. 30,
the death toll in B.C. has reached 755. Our governments must act
decisively now to deal with this crisis.

Reiner Specht, Port Moody
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