One percent? Is my math correct?
A telephone alert was broadcast to every home in my town this week. The called warned citizens that a mosquito with EEE had been found. I commend my government officials for warning us to the dangers of EEE. According to the Cambridge MA Dept of Public Health ( Link here ) six people died from EEE in the state of Massachusetts between 2004 and 2006. That is scary stuff.
According to http://www.hcsm.org/sphere/opioid-overdose-prevention
In 2006, 637 people died in Massachusetts from opioid poisoning, up from 544 in 2005.
That statistic is far beyond scary.
Six people vs 637 people…is 1% Is my math correct?
Why do government authorities blanket the press with warnings about EEE but tread so cautiously when mentioning the addiction disease that is 100x more likely to kill a resident?
Perhaps it is because EEE does not carry the STIGMA.
peace and strength
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God, Gail give it a rest. You’re like a dog with a bone. You missed the entire point of what this person initially said. Stigma prevents people from seeking help. There are not enough beds/treatment in the state no matter how much money has been put into it (sit in any detox/rehab place and listen to the receptionist say, “I’m sorry, call back tomorrow…”) You aren’t getting it. And as far as your yada yada on doctors that over-prescribe, until doctors are FORCED by law to be educated, they still think they are the gods of the world. I had a doc prescribe a narcotic for a sprained ankle despite the fact that I said I would NOT accept the Rx. I tore it up in the hospital and tossed it in the trash. You know what, I was better educated than the doctor about narcotics. How disturbing is that?
No one is belittling protecting residents from triple E…the concern is the the lack of understanding and education about addiction. But, because of the stigma, no one has an interest in it until it affects their family/loved ones. Addiction is a non-discriminatory disease. No adolescent picks up a beer, then the pot, then the pills, then the heroin, ever saying, “I chose to be an addict.” Until the stigma is removed, the state and public officials will wring their hands and cry that they do not know what to do. Clearly if they could spray for addiction, like they can spray for EEE, they would. Short, simple, sweet. Addiction is far more complicated and involves parents that have open medicine cabinets, drug dealers, curious adolescents, a media that glorifies drug and alcohol use, dual diagnosis that kids self-medicate for, etc. Do you have a loved one in the throws of addiction? If you do, you need a little education and a lot more compassion. If you don’t, then lucky you.
well put Lynne thank you for commenting
thank you …
I just found this article in today’s online paper – http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x186674516/State-spends-roughly-1-1-million-on-aerial-attack-on-EEE
I have heard that “excuse” once too often. In my mind you are still making excuses for the addict (enabling). If a doctor did, in fact, overprescribe you should be putting your energy into programs that will educate doctors on the downfalls of overprescribing and not criticizing how a community spends money for the protection of all of its residents.
I personally feel that the step/action that caused a person to become an addict was a choice. Further, I don’t know the statistics (I’m sure you do) but according to one site out there and this is a direct quote “one of the most liberal states in the country is also home to some of the most progressive alcohol and drug treatment programs. There has been a high rate of success among those individuals who have enrolled in residential and outpatient drug rehab facilities throughout the state.” The bottom line, MA is spending money on addicts and should not have to answer to you because thet chose to spray for EEE and protect all resdients in the towns they sprayed.
The politicians of MA do not have to answer to me. I am simply expressing an opinion at this blog.
Question for you.. If a doctor overprescribes to someone with an injury and that person becomes addicted is that a choice?
The federal government budgeted $25.2 BILLION dollars for the National Drug Control Strategy in 2012. How much of that did MA receive. Compare that to the amount spent on spraying for EEE. Further, your argument is not logical. All individuals who get the EEE Virus do not die, rather they spend the rest of their lives fighting a dibilitating disease that was not something they chose to get.
All persons afflicted with the disease of addiction do not die either. There are other closures,,Jail & Institution are optional endings that await those afflicted with the disease of active addiction. A lifetime of pain and suffering can envelop those suffering from the disease of addiction. EEE.. the season in MA is very short yet garners front page press because as you say “no one chooses EEE” ( STIGMA) .. Addiction, its season is every day but is only beginning to get the press it so rightly deserves. This disease is killing our children at an alarming rate …. and Gail is addiction truly a choice?
Both EEE and addiction should be allocated funds and press.
Follow the money!
They tread cautiously, because they haven't a friggin clue how to get it under control…and instead of even attempting they turn cheek, hoping and praying it will just go away….. In mansfield at the comcast center a few weeks ago, two young men OD during a concert and DIED……..They are doing noting to change what goes on there , they said drug sniffing dogs would be a waste of time, there are to many people…..WTF……My son used to frequent that place when he was using….He forbids his siblings to go there….he said its like nothing you could ever imagine…… But the Mansfield Police say they have it under control…. I guess until somebody really important or with a shit ton of money kid dies, this problem will continue to be swept under the carpet.
So true! Until enough important or wealthy kids/young adults die, society will wring their hands and do nothing.