STATE CUTS HURTING HEROIN PROGRAMS

I APPLAUD the Globe for the editorial about the heroin problem in South
Boston (July 14). Community residents, neighborhood organizations, the
mayor, and city agencies have worked diligently to address this issue. But
whatever progress we were making has been undercut by state cuts in
substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

In Boston these cuts have forced the closing of one of five detoxification
programs this month. Detox programs in Quincy, Cambridge, and Somerville
have also been closed. Outpatient and residential treatment programs
received sharper cuts. It is now more difficult to get someone into drug
treatment in Boston than it has been in decades. Without emergency funds to
restore these services, the heroin epidemic in South Boston and other
neighborhoods will spread, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak, illness,
and death.

The cost to the city and its residents in terms of health, public safety,
and overall quality of life will grow the longer these cuts continue.

John Auerbach, Executive Director

Boston Public Health Commission