Downtown Revitalization

Now here’s an idea for downtown revitalization:

VANCOUVER, Canada (AFP) - Health authorities in Canada's westernmost province want to make the country's first test facility for heroin injection permanent and are considering opening additional clinics to meet the huge demand.

The Vancouver facility was set up in 2003, against US opposition, as a three-year experiment exempt from Canadian drug laws.

Since then the clinic, North America's only such operation, has run at capacity, with some 800 heroin injections daily.

"It's all-round positive, with no downsides," said Perry Kendall, British Columbia province's chief medical officer.

Correct me if I’m wrong: couldn’t 800 heroin injections daily be considered a downside? Oh, and it gets better:

Addicts bring in drugs purchased illegally on the street, and self-inject them under medical supervision. There are onsite emergency services in case of overdose and staff nurses and counselors to provide health care and referrals to rehabilitation facilities.

I have to admit that this is good, because we want to be sure that those heroin addicts can be resuscitated in the event of an overdose. Besides, it’s not like the Canadian health care system is in crisis or anything; I’m sure there are plenty of medical professionals to supervise!

Of course, this is my favorite:

The United States also opposes a new experiment in Vancouver to give addicts free prescription heroin in hopes of reducing property crimes to feed their habit.

I really wish that the U.S. wouldn’t oppose this – I’d love for my tax dollars to pay for free “prescription” heroin! While we’re at it, we could give free cigarettes to those poor folks addicted to nicotine, free beer for all alcoholics, and free crack for all!

Here’s the full article