Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2001
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Sue Hodson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ELITISM CORRUPTS COMMUNITY

Editor;

I appreciate the editor's "thumb's down" (Peace Arch News, Dec. 8) 
regarding those opposing the Launching Pad.

I have a concern regarding a petition circulated in the neighbourhood. One 
neighbour had the petitioner describe the Launching Pad as a rehabilitation 
home, not a recovery home. As my friend questioned her, she realized the 
petitioner did not know the difference. My friend refused to sign.

Others had a petitioner speak the following phases: "there will be needles 
on the street"; "our children are not safe"; "they will take drugs."

They signed the petition. Who would not, given that information? Since 
then, they have all become better informed and some have visited the 
Launching Pad. All have now phoned Surrey Council in support of this 
recovery home. I question the credibility of the petition given the 
misinformation.

Another concern is an attitude at the meeting at South Meridian School. I 
was alarmed at the tone. Several people suggested this recovery home should 
go back to Aldergrove, move to Newton or Whalley. This was followed by 
significant applause. A retired principal stated if there was one child at 
risk then this facility should not be allowed.

I am puzzled because when I was growing up in White Rock, one of my 
teachers was an alcoholic. Two of my friends' mothers were alcoholics. As a 
community we never ostracized them or pressured them to move out of town. 
Why are members of my community so fearful of those who no longer take 
drugs or alcohol?

In White Rock/South Surrey there are 37 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a 
week. One group consistently hosts almost 100 members.

At one of our health care facilities, a nurse counsels seniors on their 
addictions. Her caseload has increased 65 per cent since 1997. At this same 
facility a Narcotics Anonymous group meets weekly. They have 50 members. 
Where do you think these people go after their meetings? They return to 
their homes in our neighbourhoods. They do not commute to Whalley or 
Newton. The numbers do not even take into account those who have not yet 
addressed their addictions. What is the position on the grandmother who has 
been an alcoholic for 30 years and shows no signs of changing? What about a 
son who is struggling with cocaine? I had a young mother phone me two weeks 
ago. Her children go to South Meridian School. What will our community's 
response be to her and her family if she ever shares her past?

White Rock and South Surrey continue to be a great place to raise children. 
I am grateful my father chose to start his dental practice here. We moved 
here in 1952 and it was wonderful to grow up, marry and raise our sons 
here. The addiction problems were present then and continue to be.

No community is immune. I trust most of my neighbours will not be unduly 
influenced by misplaced fears, harmful judgments and the elitism verbalized 
by some of our community members.

Sue Hodson
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