To the editor:
Re: "Vancouver crack pipe giveaway will include children," Sept. 14.
Mark Hasiuk's opinion piece on our upcoming safer crack smoking pilot project misrepresented the facts to make his point. This project is aimed at adults, not children, and we do not anticipate youth under 19 will be recipients of this service. A 12-year-old presenting for safer crack smoking supplies is a child protection issue and would be reported to the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD). If we happen to be approached by youth under 19 for these services, they will have to undergo an assessment. This could result in referrals to health care, addictions care, a shelter, mental health or other services. Our health care providers are professionals who are obliged under law to contact MCFD or the police if any child protection or other immediate risk issues are determined.
Dr. Patricia Daly,
chief medical health officer, Vancouver Coastal
Health (Editor's note: During her interview with the Courier, Dr. Reka Gustafson made no mention of the MCFD, and despite Courier requests, VCH has provided no policy documents about the pipe project.)
