CLINICS ARE MUCH NEEDED

Methadone clinics, like AIDS service organizations and needle exchange
programs, are necessary within every community. They serve those members of
our community who are unable to access other programs and services without
roadblocks and restrictions. They support people with addictions and other
health concerns without passing judgment or creating atmospheres that send
these people into hiding. Programs are operated on harm-reduction and
health-promotion models.

As is the case with most programs and services providing support,
counselling and care to street populations, drug addicts, prostitutes, the
homeless, gays or any other marginalized population, public perception and
lack of knowledge fuel the fire of negative reaction.

Looking at these clinics and the programs they provide makes people have to
acknowledge these issues do exist in Waterloo Region, and likely will never
go away.

Methadone and methadone clinics provide vital supports and services to
people for many reasons, not just for drug addiction. Those accessing
methadone programs for pain relief, I'm sure, could tell you how important
having this clinic and its services in Waterloo Region really is.

Those clients accessing the clinic for addiction support can also tell you
how important it is for recovery, harm reduction and health promotion for
them -- and the importance of this support being within their own community.

Rather than opposing the clinic, maybe we could be truly good and
supportive neighbours for a program that is very much needed and accessed
by our neighbours. This would show the true meaning of being a neighbour,
even though having to admit that we do have addicts in our community who
may even be our neighbours.

Robert D. Alexander, Executive Director, AIDS Committee of Cambridge,
Kitchener, Waterloo and Area, Kitchener