DEFEAT OF ISSUE 4 HURTS COMMUNITY

The failure of Issue 4 on Nov. 6 was a sad day for the citizens of Lucas
County. A co-worker heard someone at a polling place say, "I won't vote for
any druggies." Are you aware that approximately 80 percent of the crimes
committed in Lucas County are alcohol and drug related?

There is a misconception among many people that it only takes will power to
stop drinking or using drugs. False. The American Medical Association has
recognized chemical dependence as a disease. This is a disease that is
primary, progressive, chronic, and in many cases fatal. Chemical dependency
is hereditary, just as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are.

This is the one disease for which the medical profession cannot give a pill
or shot to make the chemically dependent person well. It is a disease that
does not discriminate. It does not care if you are white, black, yellow,
purple, or red. It does not care if you live in the inner city, Ottawa
Hills, Sylvania, Maumee, or any other part of Lucas County. The only help
for the chemically dependent person is through treatment centers in Lucas
County. They have saved many a life.

For instance, your own doctor, your child's teacher, your neighbor, the
factory worker, your attorney, your stock broker, your barber or
hairdresser, your favorite television or radio personality, and countless
others might have died had it not been for the treatment facilities in
Lucas County.

Now that Issue 4 has been defeated there will certainly be cutbacks in the
staff of the treatment facilities. Not only will the chemically dependent
person suffer, so will the citizens of Lucas County. In the case of
alcoholism and drug addiction, "ignorance is not bliss."

KAYE TAYLOR

Perrysburg