To the Editor:

I am so glad to read about efforts being put into solving the problem of heroin abuse in the Oxford Hills. I’m sad to learn that heroin abuse has become a major problem in our area, so it’s great to see a task force being formed to deal with it. Oxford Hills is a wonderful place, my home, and I am glad this effort is being made to keep it wonderful.

I read an interesting article online by the National Coalition for Effective Drug Policies in Washington, D.C. called “Eight Steps to Effectively Controlling Drug Abuse And the Drug Market.” One of the steps stood out to me and I thought it definitely applied to Oxford Hills. It was, “Make treatment available upon request like any other health service.” I think it is a good idea to make sure that treatment is made available to people abusing heroin, so that they can get help. Right now, if someone came to me who was addicted to heroin I would not know where to tell him/her to go to get help. What are the services available and steps to recovery for someone who is addicted?

At this time I am away at college and cannot attend the meetings being held about this problem, but if I were there I would want to ask this question 

After all is said and done and a plan has been established to eradicate this problem, I would like to see the plan made into an answer that everyone in our community can confidently give to someone who is addicted and wants to get help. In our community if someone has a broken arm, we know to send them to SMH Emergency. If someone is a victim of sexual assault, we send them to REACH. If someone is a victim of domestic violence, we send them to Safe Voices. But if someone comes to you who is addicted to heroin and wants to get help, do you know where to send them? I don’t.

Keep up the good work. This problem needs solving.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Lamb

South Paris