Community Values under Siege

Community Values under Siege and this time by Republicans AND Democrats!

The State of Virginia passed a law to allow opioid treatment centers to open within one-half-mile of any school or day care center. Now a FOR-PROFIT addiction treatment company headquartered OUT OF STATE is anticipated to open in the Woodlawn Shopping Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This is a community of children, seniors, veterans, small and minority business owners who now are facing mounting safety concerns.

I am sure you are thinking THIS MAKES NO SENSE! Most rational minds would agree but… it is an election year! Once again, government at the state and local levels are failing. This was not properly planned and now, in “reaction mode”, they are frozen and are kicking the can down the road. A lesson from D.C.

The community is being called all kinds of names and is being threatened by corporate lawyers with Civil Rights violations…you know the story. We recently heard from our government officials that said “addicts are people too”. This is a “statement of the obvious;” most families have a personal story about someone close to them battling some type of addiction. Here in Virginia, the problem is that the policy makers did not do their job. No research. No input from medical professionals. No dialog with other jurisdictions that “GOT IT RIGHT”!

Yes, addicts are people! People suffering from addiction, indeed, are worthy of time, attention, respect, and dignity. They are also worthy of detailed public planning, and to have communities strategically think about how to help them access care. There are federal laws and federal guidelines with multiple recommendations for communities to provide care strategically and safely. The current proposed location creates hazards and will decrease access to care by people who are worthy of our extra consideration. HOW is that so? There is a lack of sidewalks, cross walks, lack of adequate parking on site, lack of off-street parking, lack of community liaison/planning, lack of stakeholder engagement. It also does not offer co-located job seeking services at the primary location which is required by federal law. The STATE & LOCAL government officials failed to do proper research and strategically plan as required by law.

Petition

Now the community is left to fund and fix the problem. We are in the midst of a legal fight that requires an appeal. NOT appealing will ensure unbridled and predatory commercialism that does not include planning for those suffering from addiction. Their unique needs take precedence. An appeal represents safety and hope for dignified and safe care for people who need our help. Yes, “addicts are people too” and so are their families, children, seniors, and all law-abiding citizens!

Treatment Center Location

Any one in conflict knows you cannot WIN the fight if you are not IN the fight. We are IN THE FIGHT as we speak. Can we count on you to join us?

For more information, please see our Facebook site with the link below.

22405 Neighborhood Watch