Pubdate: Tue, 03 Feb 2004
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: David Kelly
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

OSHAWA NEEDS METHADONE CLINIC

Methadone Clinic In Oshawa

Councillor Louise Parks of Oshawa feels that a methadone clinic is not 
appropriate for the city's downtown.

Where would it be appropriate? Perhaps in some other community?

The widespread barriers and discrimination faced by people with addictions 
would not be tolerated in any other part of our health-care system.

The continued marginalization of people with these serious health issues 
perpetuates the problem our system faces with addictions and ignores the 
true cost all of us bear.For example, $1 spent on the treatment of an 
alcohol-use disorder saves $4 to $12 in long-term societal, economic and 
medical costs.

Less contact with other parts of the health-care system, less contact with 
the criminal justice system and improved productivity all point to the need 
to invest in addiction treatment services including methadone clinics in 
Oshawa.Parks would better serve her community and taxpayers by supporting 
addiction services in her community.

David Kelly, Executive Director,Ontario Federation of Community 
MentalHealth and Addiction Programs, Toronto
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom