Pubdate: Fri, 14 Sep 2012
Source: London Free Press (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 The London Free Press
Contact: http://www.lfpress.com/comment/letters/write/
Website: http://www.lfpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243
Author: Alex Weber
Page: 3

DID METHADONE-DISPENSING PHARMACY FOES GO TOO FAR?

In a bid to shut down a methadone dispensing pharmacy in their
neighbourhood, a group of protesters took to photographing methadone
patients as they entered and exited the facility - a move that has
addictions specialists deeply disturbed.

While London Drug Mart at 1617 Dundas St. closed Sunday - a sign on
the door directs patients to the London Medical Pharmacy at 528 Dundas
St. - it couldn't be confirmed if it closed because of the protesters.

"It is a complete violation of an individual's human right to access
health-care services," David Kelly, executive director of the Ontario
Federation of Community Health and Addiction Programs, said of the
protests.

"The fear and shaming of people with addictions and mental health
problems is traumatizing."

Two weeks ago, a group of about 20 residents set up in a motel parking
lot next door to the pharmacy. They were upset a pharmacy that
dispenses methadone, a synthetic opioid used to treat addiction to
narcotics, had opened in their neighbourhood without warning from the
city. (According to city bylaw, the surrounding community needn't be
notified if the pharmacy has fewer than 40 methadone patients, which
this one did.)

But Marsha, a Western student leading the residents who didn't want
her last name used, said she and other neighbours were worried their
property values would plummet and their neighbourhood would invite
criminals with the pharmacy nearby.

To make their message clear, they held up protest signs and took
photographs of methadone patients entering and leaving the building.

"They're just for our personal records. If any criminal activity goes
own, we want to know who (the culprits are)," she said.

She said a few patients asked the protesters what the photos were for
and many covered their faces.
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MAP posted-by: Matt