ZONING LAW DISCRIMINATORY

I am responding to the recent article, "Zoning may restrict more than just
methadone clinics."

In it, psychologist Chris Qualls states, "Would we do that to a cardiac
rehabilitation facility? Of course we wouldn't. We see people with cardiac
problems as being normal, when the fact is more people will suffer a major
depressive episode this year than will have a heart attack."

He also said those with mental illness or mental retardation are already
stigmatized and the new ordinance will only make that worse.

The same reasons the new opponents give for the law being discriminatory
apply to those needing methadone treatment.

Many are quick to blame addiction on the person's choices. However, the
same can be said for many who suffer from heart disease, adult-onset
diabetes and other health problems. Due to behavior and choices made,
people begin to suffer from a variety of diseases.

Just as a cardiac rehabilitation center treats heart patients, methadone
treatment centers treat those suffering from opiate addiction.

Leslie Anderson, of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental
Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, says, "the restriction may run
afoul of the federal Fair Housing Act, which outlaws housing discrimination
based on disability."

Those suffering from the disease of addiction are covered under the same
anti-discriminatory legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the
Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act. In other states, zoning laws
such as this have been reversed in court when challenged by methadone
treatment providers.

Misinformation, ignorance and fear are the driving forces that lead to the
stigma and discrimination mentioned in this article. We all need to speak
out for what is right and not just pick and choose treatment modalities we
personally support. This zoning law is clear-cut discrimination against all
of those who are mentally ill, mentally retarded or suffering from the
disease of addiction.

Jay Clarke, Norfolk, Va