Pubdate: Thu, 04 Aug 2005
Source: Star-Banner, The (FL)
Copyright: 2005 The Star-Banner
Contact:  http://www.starbanner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1533
Author: Erin Doherty

BUSH SHOULD KNOW

Dear Gov. Jeb Bush,

Not that I believe you will ever see this, however, I am trying to
save the life of my child.

I have a 14-year-old son who is already addicted to drugs. I have
tried everything I can to help him. I either make too much money - yet
I can't afford treatment - or I am not on public assistance to qualify
for Medicaid.

Did you know you can get help for your child if you are on Medicaid,
but if you work real hard and stay off of public assistance, there is
no help for these children?

Being middle class and trying real hard is not the American way in
Florida anymore. You must either be rich or poor, not middle class.

Since you have someone in your family who has a substance abuse
problem, I am hoping you can try to make some programs to assist the
middle class. I spent five hours on the phone today just trying to get
some help for my child, to no avail - unless I can afford $2,000 a
month. As a single mom, no way.

I hope to hear back from you, as I am sure you can relate to the pain
of a child who is addicted to drugs. Help Florida. Don't build more
prisons. Build more places for help.

ERIN DOHERTY

Ocklawaha
- ---
MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)