SUPERVISOR MICHAEL ANTONOVICH BLASTS INSTRUCTIONAL DRUG FLIER

A county health department flier that tells potential drug users how
to lower their risks when taking Ecstasy has drawn the ire of a
county supervisor who on Tuesday demanded a halt to its distribution.

The two-page flier, intended to help potential users "make informed
decisions and stay safe," tells potential users to avoid the drug.
But it also offers advice for those who take it to minimize the
harmful effects.

For example, it counsels frequent breaks to let the body cool and
rest, not mix the drug with alcohol or caffeine, stay hydrated, and
to "aim low" in both dose and frequency.

"Educate yourself & your friends - The best decision is a
well-informed one," the flier advises.

But advising people how to minimize the risks is condoning the use of
the drug, said Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who
demanded the county Public Health Department stop distribution and
revise the fliers.

"Counseling young people on the use of the illegal drug Ecstasy is
stupid and contrary to Los Angeles County's zero-tolerance policy on
drugs," Antonovich said in a statement.

The county Board of Supervisors in August passed a zero-tolerance
policy on drugs after Sasha Rodriguez Roth, a 15-year-old from
Tarzana, died from an overdose in June after taking the drug at a
rave at the Coliseum.

The drug, popular at rave parties, has been linked to more than a
hundred overdose hospitalizations last year, leading officials to
consider banning the events at publicly owned facilities.

County health officials did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.