Lutheran Hospital urged to accept detox patients with a single addiction — heroin

To the editor:

(Plain Press, December 2017)      I would like to commend the Plain Press on its coverage of the panel discussion at Lutheran Hospital concerning the present opioid crisis.

As I read the article, however, I was aware of the fact that, while Lutheran Hospital has a very good detox program, and an excellent social work staff, they do not admit persons for detox if they are only using heroin.

We are seeing a larger number of folks on the street who are heroin addicted and many are seeking detox and treatment.

In my opinion, providing more detox beds would be a significant step in addressing this crisis.

It is my hope that Lutheran Hospital might reconsider their present policy.

Jim Schlecht

Outreach Worker