DOCTOR DEFENDS METHADONE CLINIC AT PUBLIC MEETING

'The population is more in jeopardy when dealing with untreated addicts,'
residents told

The doctors heading a new Ottawa methadone clinic tried last night to allay
the fears of angry Centretown residents who say they fear for their safety.

Dr. Jeff Daiter of the Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC) addressed
about 75 people at the Legion hall on Kent Street, telling them his clinic
will reduce the number of dangerous addicts in their community.

"The population is in more jeopardy when dealing with untreated addicts," he
told the crowd, adding he hoped that, within six months, the clinic will
have proven itself to residents as safe and effective.

The doctor acknowledged that anything he said likely wouldn't be accepted by
the crowd, but said he hoped to at least promote some understanding of drug
addiction.

"This is not a character weakness, not a moral indignation -- it's a medical
illness," he said. "People say 'just say no' but it's beyond the addict's
control and it's hard for someone who's been bitten by the disease."

The clinic, which administers a daily methadone drink as replacement therapy
for people addicted to opioid drugs such as heroin and codeine, is located
at 401 Somerset St. W., near Bank Street.

A single dose of methadone lasts 24 to 36 hours, and ideally allows patients
to function normally, get employment and maintain social relationships.

There are currently 800 to 1,200 people on a waiting list for treatment in
Ottawa, and the Somerset clinic will eventually be able serve between 300
and 400.

While a few people raised their hands when asked if the presentation had
swayed their opinion, Shawn Dearn wasn't one of them.

The president of the condominium board in the building next to the clinic
has been the ringleader of the opposition, and often shouted over the
doctors as they tried to explain themselves.

"You've shown nothing but contempt for people who live in this area," he
said, claiming the doctors have tried to sneak the clinic in under
residents' noses.

Dr. Daiter said he never notified residents before because he's never had to
in the past.

"I've never had to address the community before, and the community has never
come to us," he said of the other 19 clinics operated by OATC in Ontario.

"In the ten years of doing this, this is the first public meeting I've had.
I only hope I can help you understand."

Former Somerset resident Christine Navarro said she did, having worked with
injection drug users at the University of Ottawa.

"When I walk past that clinic, I thank God they are there

to help, and I thank God the community is doing the right thing," she said,
fighting back tears. "They're treating these people like human beings."

The doctor couldn't convince Somerset Councillor Diane Holmes however, who
maintained the clinic should never have been put under a seniors residence.
She said she would be meeting with police to ask for more patrols in the
area.