Pubdate: Wed, 11 Apr 2001
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY)
Copyright: 2001 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/614
Website: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
Author: Daniel G Renkas

MEDICAL HELP NEEDED FOR ADDICTED INMATES

I applaud and support Monroe County Legislature Minority Leader H. Todd 
Ballard in questioning the ability of New York state correctional 
facilities to properly treat an individual suffering from withdrawal, given 
the death of Candace Brown.

Our criminal justice system is unqualified and incapable of administering 
the therapy necessary to help substance abusers cope with the pangs of 
withdrawal, and it is absurd to think it can.

Substance abuse is a public health problem, not a criminal justice problem. 
If addicts are to be successfully reintegrated into society, it is 
imperative that trained medical professionals, not prison wardens, play the 
larger role in their recovery.

Daniel G Renkas Jr, Henrietta 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake