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| The Works provides needle exchanges, methadone prescriptions and crack kit dispensing for drug users. (Tanya Flanagan/Ryersonian Staff) |
#10:
Starting off RyersOnline’s countdown of the top 10 stories to break during the 2006-2007 year is an article written by David George-Cosh about Ryerson president Sheldon Levy and the
comments he made regarding a methadone clinic located in the Ryerson neighbourhood.
At the beginning of March, Levy shared with the Ryersonian his opinion about a Toronto Public Health Clinic called The Works, located at Dundas and Victoria Streets. Levy said he would prefer if the clinic wasn’t within the vicinity of the Ryerson campus.
Levy’s view offended several people in and outside the Ryerson committee and resulted in a numerous Letters to the Editor on the topic. Many felt The Works provided an essential service to the area and was not a safety issue.
Looking back on his coverage, George-Cosh remains soemwhat taken aback by Levy's reaction.
"As surprising it was to find out how little the Ryerson community knew about a harm reduction clinic operating in its back yard, it was even more so to hear the president of our school say that he would rather see it leave the school's neighbourhood instead of supporting what many feel is a vital service.”
To take a deeper look into the story, check out the following links.
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Meth clinic should go--Levy Dr. David McKeown is a medical officer with the Toronto Board of Health and shares his insight on the clinic -
Doctoral student Christopher Smith puts in his two cents -
Sean Ferenci questions Levy’s view on similar services operating in the Ryerson neighbourhood Another reader explains how Levy’s comments are common stereotypes of meth clinics
Lorraine Munro writes about her support for the clinic
