Re: “Harm reduction saves society dollars” (Citizen, July 27)
I agree wholeheartedly with the writer that all human beings deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity. Even, or especially, those that have substance abuse problems and the mentally ill.
It should be common knowledge that quite often people who are trying to numb what’s going on inside will self-medicate. Yet there are doctors who will refuse you that badly needed treatment if you admit to self-medicating. I have personally dealt with this fact as I have experienced it firsthand as I have a mentally ill relative.
A doctor is supposed to be caring, compassionate and non-biased. Doctors are human beings and there are excellent doctors and then there are the ones who are not so caring.
The only way to create change is to let people know about it. If you or a loved one has been mistreated or refused treatment you must make a formal complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, whose job it is to oversee the medical profession.
There is certainly strength in numbers and if enough people go through the process to let them know you’ve been mistreated then change will occur. People must stand up for what is right.
Laurel Coleman
Duncan