Letter to the Editor: Drug Clinics, Communities Can Cooperate

The following letter to the editor appeared in the August 17, 2004, issue of the Baltimore Sun. Diana Morris is the Director of OSI-Baltimore.

Mayor Martin O'Malley's administration should be praised for its efforts to reform Baltimore's antiquated zoning laws ("Easier OKs for clinics sought," Aug. 8). These reforms, if passed by the City Council, will permit drug treatment centers to deliver patient care in areas zoned for medical offices.

The city will need additional funds to open new public drug treatment centers. Nevertheless, the removal of illegal zoning barriers to treatment expansion is an important step in Baltimore's efforts to bring effective help to the approximately 65,000 drug-addicted city residents who currently cannot get access to treatment because there aren't enough centers.

Baltimore has developed one of the nation's premier drug treatment systems. Rigorous scientific research shows that patients served by our drug treatment centers are significantly less likely to be involved in drug use and criminal activity. And the organization leading this important work, Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems (BSAS), applies the same rigor it uses to monitor patient outcomes to maintaining positive provider-community relations.

With our grant support, BSAS and its treatment partners have worked over the past year with the Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA) and local community associations to develop "good neighbor principles" to encourage constructive, ongoing interactions between neighborhoods and drug treatment centers.

For example, drug treatment center leaders have agreed to attend community association meetings regularly, provide education sessions on addiction and encourage a member of the community to apply for a place on their board.
CPHA and BSAS staff provide technical assistance to providers and community associations on how to deal with any program-related issues. They also help the organizations channel the energy of patients in recovery to contribute to their community.

With treatment providers, recovering individuals and communities working more closely together, we will be able to improve the quality of life in Baltimore.

Diana Morris
Baltimore