THINK PREVENTION

As your May 14 article pointed out, many of these tragic deaths were the
result of guns, drugs and violence.

While the article listed ways individuals could get involved, most of the
options were organizations equipped to deal with the aftermath of tragic
deaths. The lack of emphasis on prevention was noticeable.

The death of any child is tragic, and our community must always respond.
However, when multiple deaths can be attributed to similar causes and a
public discussion on prevention is not addressed, our community is failing
the future of every child. As the article so poignantly points out, drugs
were suspected to be a cause of many of the children's deaths, yet where is
the discussion on drug prevention and treatment?

Until we step ahead and begin to deal with the prevention of gang violence,
drug abuse and delinquent behavior, we will always have to ask ourselves:
Could this tragedy have been prevented?

William E. Long, Executive Director

Michigan Federation of Private Child and Family Agencies

Lansing