Pubdate: Fri, 14 Apr 2006
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2006 The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Julie D. Fatino

DON'T CUT DRUG-FUNDING TREATMENT

Dr. Steve Gleason died as a result of drug addiction. My daughter, 
Angela Fatino, also died as a result of drug addiction. Both deaths 
were determined to be suicide with a handgun. Last year Angela's 
photographs were published in the Register - not as a scare tactic, 
but rather as a picture of the reality of drug addiction in Iowa.

The death of Gleason has forced us once again to face this 
devastating reality. Ironically, Angela had a dream of becoming a doctor.

Recently, Iowa was commended for passing the toughest anti-meth laws 
in the nation. We refused to allow the federal law to weaken them. 
Once again, our efforts are threatened by proposed cuts in funding 
for Iowa's drug-treatment centers and Iowa law enforcement.

This is simply unacceptable in Iowa, where we truly value children, 
families and communities.

- - Julie D. Fatino

Des Moines.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman