Calgary officials have decried a week-long education campaign in central Alberta that preaches harm reduction, rather than abstinence, when it comes to ecstasy.

CALGARY – Calgary officials have decried a week-long education campaign in central Alberta that preaches harm reduction, rather than abstinence, when it comes to ecstasy.

Volunteers from the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) are venturing into bars and clubs around Red Deer, Alta., to educate young people about the dangers of ecstasy and how to avoid overdosing.

There have been several ecstasy-related deaths in the province in recent months.

"We're going to say to them, 'If you know somebody who is going to dose, we recommend they dose half a pill and see how it goes,'" said CAANS executive director Jennifer Vanderschaeghe.

"We want to say, make sure you guys have a plan if you get separated, if somebody looks like they're ODing, that you actually respond with health care.'"

But that harm-reduction approach conflicts with the 'just say no' message being pushed by police and health officials here in Calgary, where politicians and police have ramped up a campaign promoting abstinence as the only sure-fire way to avoid serious injury and even death.

CAANS' approach is misguided, Calgary Police Association president John Dooks charged.

"Having a buddy there when you take an overdose that could kill you, it's already too late," said Dooks. "That's a very bad, selfish, arrogant and irresponsible program. They may have good intentions, but we all know where good intentions go.

"It is absolutely absurd to suggest there is a safe way to do drugs."

CAANS, meanwhile, is looking at expanding its harm-reduction campaign to other communities.

"We'd love to go out to Rocky (Mountain House), Stettler, Wetaskiwin , Olds and Sylvan Lake," said Vanderschaeghe.

One of three Calgary aldermen who proposed creating a $150,000 anti-ecstasy education campaign in the wake of numerous overdose deaths, John Mar, said while he doesn't agree with CAANS' approach, increased education is always positive.

"It is a public safety issue and it is a health issue, but anything at all that raises awareness and potentially reduces harm in our community is inherently a good thing."

The society said it's acting in the interest of those at risk, although it admits judging the campaign's effectiveness will be tough."

"Ultimately, what we're trying to do is prevent overdoses and prevent overdose deaths, but that will be hard to prove," said Vanderschaeghe.

"We're happy when people have conversations about the drugs they're using and talk about safety.

"If one friend takes care of their friends, then we've created an environment that's safer for them, whether that's crossing the street when you're drunk of taking pills when you're at the bar, it's about safety.

"It's simple, but it's so complex."

dave.dormer@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @SunDaveDormer