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Oakland Community Clinic Sparking a Struggle Against Cuts to Drug Medi-Cal
Having launched a successful state wide petition campaign against impending cuts to drug treatment funding, O.A.S.I.S Clinic held a street rally in downtown Oakland to educate the public about the benefits of drug treatment and to extend their petition campaign protesting these cuts. The protest was organized by the patient activist committee of O.A.S.I.S and was attended by patients, staff and many people who joined from the streets.
Approximately 1 out of every 8 Californians is living with addiction to drugs or alcohol and rates are on the rise, especially among young people. Although stigmatized as a moral issue, newer medical imaging techniques demonstrate that addiction is a chronic illness characterized by neurochemical changes in the brain. For many, highly effective medical treatments including methadone and buprenorphine are the key to maintaining prolonged abstinence, much as medications for asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes are prescribed chronically to maintain health.
In addition, drug treatment is highly cost effective: studies show that for every dollar spent on treatment, up to $7 is saved in reduced criminal activity, incarceration, and spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Despite these savings, California legislators are contemplating a short-sighted strategy to reduce costs by eliminating funding for Drug Medi-Cal, thereby eliminating access to care for many persons currently engaged in or needing drug treatment services.
Many of the O.A.S.I.S patients are in successful recovery because of Drug Medi-Cal benefits, “Most of us are living proof of the medical and financial benefits of drug treatment,” says Lisa Roellig, member of the O.A.S.I.S. Clinic’s Activism Committee. “Our Governor and legislators are ignoring the obvious: eliminating funding for Drug Medi-Cal won’t save money – it will add to our deficit and lead to increases in crime and disease transmission.”
In addition, drug treatment is highly cost effective: studies show that for every dollar spent on treatment, up to $7 is saved in reduced criminal activity, incarceration, and spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Despite these savings, California legislators are contemplating a short-sighted strategy to reduce costs by eliminating funding for Drug Medi-Cal, thereby eliminating access to care for many persons currently engaged in or needing drug treatment services.
Many of the O.A.S.I.S patients are in successful recovery because of Drug Medi-Cal benefits, “Most of us are living proof of the medical and financial benefits of drug treatment,” says Lisa Roellig, member of the O.A.S.I.S. Clinic’s Activism Committee. “Our Governor and legislators are ignoring the obvious: eliminating funding for Drug Medi-Cal won’t save money – it will add to our deficit and lead to increases in crime and disease transmission.”
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It was a great day for O.A.S.I.S. Clinic and the Oakland community. The Oakland community made it very clear that they understand the importance of drug treatment. Many joined our protest and helped clinic activists pass out leaflets and sign petitions demanding "No Cuts to Drug Medi-Cal!"
It was also an oppurtunity to talk to the community about the rest of the health and human services on the budget cut chopping block. Almost all health and human service programs that serve poor people are in danger of being gutted or eliminated entirely. We must continue to organize and fight back.
Wednesday, Sept 15th 1 pm there will be a state budget cut protest at the Capitol. Buses are being organized from all over the bay area. O.A.S.I.S. Clinic will be there demanding "No Cuts to Drug Medi-Cal" "No Cuts to Medi-Cal Programs!" Join us!
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/09/08/18658231.php
Thank you for coming out for us and taking these photos, Bill!
It was also an oppurtunity to talk to the community about the rest of the health and human services on the budget cut chopping block. Almost all health and human service programs that serve poor people are in danger of being gutted or eliminated entirely. We must continue to organize and fight back.
Wednesday, Sept 15th 1 pm there will be a state budget cut protest at the Capitol. Buses are being organized from all over the bay area. O.A.S.I.S. Clinic will be there demanding "No Cuts to Drug Medi-Cal" "No Cuts to Medi-Cal Programs!" Join us!
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/09/08/18658231.php
Thank you for coming out for us and taking these photos, Bill!
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
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