Pubdate: Wed, 07 Mar 2012
Source: USA Today (US)
Copyright: 2012 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/625HdBMl
Website: http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Peter Provet

IT'S POOR POLICY TO DRUG TEST WELFARE RECIPIENTS FOR DRUGS

USA TODAY's article "States consider drug testing welfare recipients" 
prompts the question: Why stop at poor people who receive public 
benefits? For example, why not test all students in state-funded 
schools and mothers who give birth in publicly funded hospitals?

In Arizona and Missouri, an individual is tested if there is reason 
to believe he or she is a substance abuser. The legislation proposed 
in Colorado would test all applicants for the state's Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families program. This stigmatizes poor families 
and is ultimately a losing battle. Money should be dedicated to more 
prevention, education, treatment, and broad public-relations 
campaigns that extol the benefits of a wellness lifestyle and drug-free life.

Testing might seem like an easy and convenient solution. But it is 
often counterproductive, expensive and a poor substitute for sound 
public policy.

Peter Provet, president & CEO; Odyssey House; New York City

Odyssey House is a non-profit social services organization.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom