Pubdate: Fri, 29 Jan 2016
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Bridget G. Brennan
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n032/a07.html

THE HEAVY TOLL OF DRUG OVERDOSES

To the Editor:

Re "Drug Deaths Reach White America" (editorial, Jan. 25):

While heroin overdose deaths afflict white neighborhoods as never 
before, in New York City the worst damage is found in communities 
that have suffered the longest.

The highest rate of heroin overdose death is Hunts Point/Mott Haven 
in the Bronx, where the problem is not new. In contrast, a Staten 
Island community, once untouched by heroin, is second highest. This 
epidemic is multifaceted, and so must be the response.

Having worked for decades to curb abuse both by guiding addicts into 
treatment and putting dealers in prison, I believe that current 
strategy is lopsided, expecting too much of public health and too 
little of enforcement.

Inadequate oversight of the pharmaceutical industry and unscrupulous 
doctors hamstrings efforts to stem the epidemic. Meanwhile, heroin 
blankets our streets, as drug interdiction receives inadequate 
support. Promising initiatives like the Comprehensive Addiction and 
Recovery Act will be undermined if addictive drugs are cheap and plentiful.

This epidemic has unfolded over decades. Ending it requires 
collaboration, leadership and time.

BRIDGET G. BRENNAN

Special Narcotics Prosecutor

for New York City

New York
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom