OSHAWA NEEDS METHADONE CLINIC

Methadone Clinic In Oshawa

Councillor Louise Parks of Oshawa feels that a methadone clinic is not
appropriate for the city's downtown.

Where would it be appropriate? Perhaps in some other community?

The widespread barriers and discrimination faced by people with addictions
would not be tolerated in any other part of our health-care system.

The continued marginalization of people with these serious health issues
perpetuates the problem our system faces with addictions and ignores the
true cost all of us bear.For example, $1 spent on the treatment of an
alcohol-use disorder saves $4 to $12 in long-term societal, economic and
medical costs.

Less contact with other parts of the health-care system, less contact with
the criminal justice system and improved productivity all point to the need
to invest in addiction treatment services including methadone clinics in
Oshawa.Parks would better serve her community and taxpayers by supporting
addiction services in her community.

David Kelly, Executive Director,Ontario Federation of Community
MentalHealth and Addiction Programs, Toronto