Response To Claims, Concerns

METHADONE CLINIC NO THREAT TO COMMUNITY

If not for the methadone program, my daughter would not be alive today.
I have prayed and prayed that there would be a methadone clinic close
by; the Lord does answer a mother's prayer. =============

Concerning the proposed methadone clinic.

In response to the writer of the article concerning the methadone clinic on
Oct. 9 [Sherry Ahlers, "Residents don't want to draw addicts, dealers"] - I
believe [critics] should be more aware of a few things.

My daughter was in a [serious] auto accident which left her in severe,
daily pain. She started taking medications prescribed by the doctors now on
trial for illegal drug distribution and helping to aid many of these people
to addiction, most of whom reside in Horry County where this doctor's
office was located.

Methadone is not free, as this writer stated; it cost[s] money every day
that you take it. I drive my daughter to Wilmington, N.C., every morning
before 6 so that I can get back in time for my full-time job. What a small
sacrifice for her life.

If not for the methadone program, my daughter would not be alive today. I
have prayed and prayed that there would be a methadone clinic close by; the
Lord does answer a mother's prayer.

My daughter has been drug-free for almost two years. Her urine must be
clean and is tested at random. You must stay in this program daily or you
are kicked out. I am so happy my daughter chose this route; I am very proud
of her.

In response to a comment made by the writer of the article in discussion -
the "junkies" and drug dealers are already in your community; if you read
the paper daily you would be aware of this.

The community is not threatened by this clinic. It will be a blessing to
parents, young people, older people, families, and everyone affected by
this drug epidemic. I hope and pray that no one, including the writer of
the article, will have to go through this with your children or grandchildren.

May God bless you all and open your eyes that you will see we are all his
children no matter how different we are.