Disjointed approach isn’t working
Lethbridge has become known across Canada as a hotbed of drug problems, all the result ARCHES’ “safe injection site” pandering to a handful of addicts.
A motion proposed by Coun. Blaine Hyggen to keep needles on its site would have eased the minds of residents but, as we know, the motion was narrowly defeated five to four. Adding to the upset was ARCHES executive director Stacey Bourque’s response that even if the resolution passed, ARCHES would not have stopped needles from leaving their facility. Her reply comes across as disrespectful and irresponsible considering it’s our tax dollars that pay for their 106 employees, the security personnel, the programs they run and operation costs of their two buildings.
Since ARCHES opened five months ago, 336 addicts (now at 724 and growing) have accessed the site 40,000 times. Given the staggering figure, it’s no surprise that needles are being found on streets, parks, malls, swimming pools (factor in cleanup costs). We’re told that handing out free needles/party packs are needed to save lives and prevent the spread of disease (i.e. HIV, hepatitis C, which some addicts have). Problem is ARCHES does not require clients to be tested. Clients need only provide their name and the drugs they are taking (which they buy from dealers, many of whom hang around ARCHES). This means ARCHES allows sick people with serious diseases to leave the site with needles.
The current model ARCHES operates from makes it impossible to measure success — there is no way of knowing if a person ever gets clean and becomes a productive member of society. Lack of accountability is not fair to addicts or taxpayers. Adding to the problem is ARCHES’ location. Why is it not located by the homeless shelter and soup kitchen? These established facilities are centrally located. Having ARCHES in the vicinity (revamped to run properly) along with a rehab centre and Sik-OohKotok Native Friendship Society would ensure greater chance of success than the disjointed approach currently employed.
While Sik-Ooh-Kotok is not “mandated” to deal with drug issues, their presence would be important in providing positive modelling and programs for the natives that are struggling. What we want is success and a good life for all who live here. Flexibility and a practical approach would go a long way.
Here is a website containing an article showing how Portugal is handling its drug problem: Lethbridge