An article on July 25 in the Weekend Life section by Mike Tramuta discussed the opening of a methadone clinic in the city of Dunkirk. It is to be located at Main and Third streets, which will be near a shopping center and school.

This clinic will be operated by Hispanics United and could be partially funded by taxpayer dollars.

Tramuta noted that if this clinic were a cancer clinic or heart disease facility, there likely would be no debate. Unfortunately, because this is a clinic for those dependent on chemicals, there is cause for concern. People will be allowed to take their shots.

The writer notes that more than 650,000 lives have been lost due to overdoses since 2015. He also says that those who rally against the clinics will appeal to the emotions of people to create fear due to a lack of knowledge or any other set of irrational beliefs.

Now, here’s my take. There’s no debate over cancer or heart disease clinics because these issues are not caused by any individual taking drugs. Their addiction comes from a personal choice.

There is no comparison to those other diseases.

Besides, those who take drugs are being irresponsible. We, as a society, should not have to care for them.

That is why there are hospitals.

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com