Pubdate: Thu, 02 Aug 2007
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2007 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author:  Andy Ladick
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

HANDOUT IS TOO MUCH

Congratulations to U.S. Rep. Brian Baird for his sponsorship of the 
Meth Mouth Correctional Costs and Re-entry Support Act, which is 
designed to "help prisons and jails pay to repair the devastating 
effects of long-term methamphetamine abuse on inmates' teeth and 
gums," reported in a July 27 story, "Baird bill would treat 'meth 
mouth.' " Meth use reduces the production of saliva, which naturally 
washes away bacteria and creates acid conditions in the mouth that 
can result in "rampant decay."

I, too, have a similar problem, only my loss of saliva is the result 
of chemo and radiation therapy for cancer. Unlike Baird's precious 
meth addicts, my drugs were not recreational, and were not something 
I would have chosen to take of my own free will. My question is, can 
I get free dental care under Baird's bill? I am willing to tell 
everyone that my dental problems are the result of a meth problem, if 
that will help.

Andy Ladick

Washougal
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman