In "Taking a unified approach to drug crisis,” (Feb. 3), Day Staff Writer Karen Florin carefully details the end stage crises for several substance-reliant people. Involved are EMTs, firefighters, police, emergency room personnel, clergy and suffering families and friends employers, educators, coaches, scout leaders, day-care workers, extended family and many others. Carefully, diligently and sometimes tenderly, they fulfill their professional, social and family responsibilities.

Our society approaches this disease like the 10 blind men each examining their point of contact with an elephant. To move our nation towards better health we all need to broaden our knowledge. As we improve and expand our support structures, our families and friends require care and gentle understanding. To grasp, without stigma, the many faces of this illness, including the co-dependencies that can trap us, is indeed hard work. Our own use in our private and social lives may require reflection. Together, we need to encourage each other in the moral judgments necessary to stand up, speak up, share and model what we learn to prevent the devastation we currently experience.

Martha Lee Reynolds

RN, MA, Certified Health Educator

Ledyard