This is a super-duper double issue of The Ombudsman and I think that you’ll agree with me that it is the best one yet. With each issue I worry because I believe that the issue is so good that it just could not be “topped” and I don’t want the next
issue to be disappointing. But, every time you come through with wonderful contributions and The Ombudsman just gets better and better!
Before I talk about this issue I have an announcement to make — NAMA has received funding — finally we have been recognized for the hard work that all of us are doing and the importance of our Mission. The Drug Policy Foundation and Lindesm
ith Center gave NAMA a generous Grant. With this moneys we have been able to extend support to our affiliates, including helping the organization of about 30 national affiliates/chapters and 9 international groups. We are quickly growing into the stro
ng network of patient advocates that I envisioned seven years ago when NAMA was born. It has been a lot of work – many late nights burning the midnight oil, but the seeds planted are being to sprout and most important beginning to have a real impact. Of c
ourse, the amount of work we have ahead of us is tremendous, but it is all beginning to seem possible.
And, in case you haven’t noticed NAMA has a new phone number:
(212) 595-NAMA.
So give us a call, or send us a FAX.
This issue of The Ombudsman begins with Tony Scro, a long time methadone advocate. His article, “Let’s Stop The Insanity” introduces the topic of this issue – methaphobia. Scro concludes with a challenge to “Contract to
work together with a wonderful tool (methadone treatment) to save lives.”
The methaphobia theme continues with Ira Sobel’s, “Methaphobia: Us and Them.” I am also very pleased to announce that Ira Sobel has joined the Newsletter Committee as Editor-at-Large for The Ombudsman. Ira has written a
rticles that have appeared in the newsletters of several of our affiliates, including Methadone Awareness. And now he joins us, so expect to see more of his work.
Continuing with the theme of methaphobia is “Stigma: The Invisible Barrier,” which consists of excerpts from Herman Joseph’s dissertation on stigma.
Michael Grenga and Spencer Nelson discuss the dramatic changes that methadone patients in New York have experienced over the past 10-15 years in “Methadone Treatment in New York” . It reflects what has occurred acr
oss the US.
And finally Pat Williams has written a very important article, “The Impact of Managed Care.” Each of the 50 states will have their own version of managed care and it appears that methadone treatment will be changed drama
tically — and to our detriment. So it is important that we understand what will be thrust upon us in the next years.
A new feature of The Ombudsman will be the column “Remember Us.” The idea for the name came from the anonymous article appearing in this issue. Remember Us gives the oppressed a place to express their feelings and observa
tions.
Our Archivist and Information Specialist, Jeffrey Millman has prepared for our ‘information’ “Important Dates to Remember,” the bibliography “Recommended Reading,” and “Impor
tant Publications & Other Information.”
In addition to all this, he has reviewed the video “Fire in Our House” . The video is an excellent educational film on harm reduction and needle exchange. (And, I’ve been told that I am in it for a second handing out needles and m
ethadone advocacy.)
Of course I can’t forget the “Methaphobia Crossword Puzzle” .
And, finally “In The News” brings The Ombudsman up to date, at least as the news goes — covering the news across the nation and internationally.
We all know how painful methaphobia can be. But whether it’s methaphobia or discrimination if we analyze this you will find that ignorance is the driving force behind those things that we struggle against. The solution is not pointing fingers because t
hat will not change things. NAMA is dedicated to education about the Dole-Nyswander Methadone Program for this is the only way to end the fear, the misinformation and ignorance.
Join us – to end the stigma and prejudice and to reverse the ignorance that feeds methaphobia.
Together, we can make a difference.
Together, we can change the world!
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