DURHAM'S DRUG PROBLEM

Your Jan. 24 editorial "Drugs, homicide rate go together" was true. Police
Chief Steve Chalmers' plan to raise the level of discomfort for the drug
trade is one piece of a much-needed effort to reduce the human suffering
and economic costs of drug abuse. Equally important is supporting the
County Commissioners in reorganizing the mental health center, giving it an
array of services for drug abusers. Durham's drug problem includes not only
homicide but many other types of crime: domestic violence, child abuse, bad
credit and bankruptcy, and enormous health care problems and costs.
Chalmers' going it alone will only scratch the surface.

The County Commissioners should form a blue ribbon committee to develop a
strategic plan for dealing with Durham's drug problem. This committee
should include representatives of the County Commissioners, the City
Council, law enforcement, the courts, and the public and private health
care systems. The plan should address how the criminal justice and health
care systems can interact to reduce supply and demand. The plan should
stress public education about addiction and abuse and lay a strong
foundation for prevention. When this happens, Durham will be a better and
safer community.

Tony Mulvihill, Durham