Letter to the Editor
News-Press
The two-part series that News-Press did last week on drug and alcohol
addiction in our community was a wake-up call to our community and its
leaders. Kudos to Francesca Donlan and Andrew West for their excellent
in-depth reporting and evocative photographs. The headlines said it best
-- "A State of Denial". The personal stories of individuals in our own
community from all walks of life who have struggled with addiction and found
recovery were most powerful. It took great courage for each of them to
tell their stories and I would like to thank them for their willingness to share
their painful journeys in order to give others hope.
It is time for our elected officials, especially at the state level, to
invest in addiction and mental health services in a fundamental way. It's
incomprehensible that while Southwest Florida's population has tripled during
the past 20 years, the number of detoxification beds has decreased by almost 40
percent during that period. Investments in addiction treatment services is
not only the best thing for the person, it will save all of us money in reduced
jail costs, reduced emergency room visits, and reduced crime.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva has partnered with SWFAS for the past 6
years, and we have seen first-hand its effectiveness in assisting addicts to
become productive citizens. The community is lucky to have such a
dedicated and talented leadership team at SWFAS. Their passion,
commitment, and determination have inspired us to want to assist them in every
way we can. However, major resource investments are needed from the
State and local government so that SWFAS and other service providers can meet
the growing need.
It s a hopeful sign that 18 community leaders have begun to work together to
seek solutions to these substance abuse problems in our community. I hope
you will continue to report on this issue through the coming months and
years. Your series has gotten the attention of the community -- now we
need action from our elected officials to assist in this effort--and we need you
to help us hold them accountable.
Darla Letourneau
Sanibel
