Safe way forward

It’s time to get serious about our health.
People who inject drugs are seriously endangering not only their own lives but also our children and emergency service workers.
Reports available of new cases of HIV and AIDS have disclosed an increased trend in new infections over the last few years.
It’s time that our State Government realised that specially dedicated facilities are a frontline service in discouraging habitual drug users from administering dangerous drugs in parks and children’s playgrounds, in laneways, in doorways and corridors, car parks and stairwells.
Such behaviours are not just a sad sight but are behaviours that create community hazards from discarded needles and add to the spread of the deadly HIV virus and AIDS.
Safe injecting facilities have now been in existence for many years and have a proven record of not only reducing the level of deaths from drug overdoses, but reduced the level of discarded needles found in the usual places.
Safe injecting facilities are far more than just places to continue a dangerous habit, they provide counselling and support to give up the habit.
They also provide assistance and information about a whole range of community support services such as medical services, housing services and health education.
It’s time now to take action, especially in the two hotspot regions of North-West Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan.
State and local governments need to get their act into gear and establish safe injecting facilities that bring about a healthier and safer community.
David Hassett,
Noble Park.