INSTITUTE FACTS AND TOUR

Addiction is a complex condition and putting someone in a dimly lit cell
with bread and water seems to me an uncivilized and irresponsible response.
Many offenders are not only addicts but also mentally disordered. The
combination of the two illnesses makes it difficult to prescribe easy
treatments. There is a whole spectrum of how to deal with addiction and
addiction/mental illness.

The ultimate goal is to get someone off harmful drugs altogether and of
course we don't want to see drugs in prisons. But we need to deal with the
problem as it exists as well as try to prevent the problem occurring.

Prison sentences deprive convicted offenders of their liberty. That is
their punishment. No law says that prisoners should not receive the medical
attention they need.

My objective here is to invite letter writers S. Dadswell and Frank Wirrell
to come with me to a correctional facility in Abbotsford where offenders
are being treated for addiction and or mental disorders. Come and learn
about this issue rather than sit at home writing letters about a subject
you obviously know so little about.

Anyone else who agreed with S. Dadswell and Frank Wirrell should also feel
free to contact me so we can organize a tour and an honest, fact-based
discussion about this subject.

Vivienne Chin

Vice-Chair, Citizens' Advisory Committee,

c/o Regional Treatment Centre/Pacific Institution 33344 King Rd., P.O. Box
3000, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 4P4