August 15, 2007 Mayor Larry O’Brien110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1  Dear Mayor O’Brien, Please allow us to take the opportunity to introduce the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs. The Federation works with over 220 frontline health organizations who are committed to effective, high-quality services through information sharing, education, advocacy and unified effort. The Federation envisions a community mental health and addiction system, which is accessible, flexible, comprehensive and responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities, shaped by many partnerships, respectful of human dignity and rights, and accountability to those it serves. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire membership of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs, I strongly recommend you reinstate aid for the Safer Crack Use Initiative. This program was terminated by your council on July 11, 2007, in spite of the proven outcomes of similar initiatives around the province. It’s imperative that we keep our entire community safe and the provision and use of harm reduction support, such at the Safer Crack Use Initiative. Distributing safer crack use kits will protect many people from devastating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. There is little difference in providing sterile needles for those using injectable street drugs and providing safer crack use kit for those using crack cocaine. These services have demonstrated success and cost effectiveness in protecting people from diseases.  The cost to the people of Ottawa will be much greater, than the $7,500 per year, invested through the Safer Crack Use Initiative. These dollars in a proven initiative to prevent devastating disease is a smart investment by the city. We urge you to reconsider the termination of this initiative. Sincerely,  David KellyExecutive Director,dkelly@ofcmhap.on.ca416-490-8900 Ext. 22