Pubdate: Fri, 31 Jan 2003
Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Author: Tony Mulvihill
Note: The writer is executive director of the Alcohol/Drug Council of North 
Carolina.

DURHAM'S DRUG PROBLEM

Your Jan. 24 editorial "Drugs, homicide rate go together" was true. Police 
Chief Steve Chalmers' plan to raise the level of discomfort for the drug 
trade is one piece of a much-needed effort to reduce the human suffering 
and economic costs of drug abuse. Equally important is supporting the 
County Commissioners in reorganizing the mental health center, giving it an 
array of services for drug abusers. Durham's drug problem includes not only 
homicide but many other types of crime: domestic violence, child abuse, bad 
credit and bankruptcy, and enormous health care problems and costs. 
Chalmers' going it alone will only scratch the surface.

The County Commissioners should form a blue ribbon committee to develop a 
strategic plan for dealing with Durham's drug problem. This committee 
should include representatives of the County Commissioners, the City 
Council, law enforcement, the courts, and the public and private health 
care systems. The plan should address how the criminal justice and health 
care systems can interact to reduce supply and demand. The plan should 
stress public education about addiction and abuse and lay a strong 
foundation for prevention. When this happens, Durham will be a better and 
safer community.

Tony Mulvihill, Durham
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager