University of Virginia Library

Citizens Propose Drug Clinic

By RICHARD PETTY

A group of Charlottesville citizens and
staff members of the local shop Joywind
presented a plan for a drug rehabilitation
center to be operated "for the freaks, by
the freaks" to the Central Virginia Drug
Council Wednesday.

Jackie Feldman, a staff member at
Joywind, described the proposed center
as "a multifold drug clinic, a place where
anyone with a drug problem can come
and talk, work, learn, and associate with
others with drug problems."

Another staff member commented,
"Because of our unique position here at
Joywind we have an opportunity to
observe the drug problem. The size of the
drug problem here, and I mean heroin, is
way out of proportion to the size of the
town."

"The junkies are not hitchhikers from
D.C.," the Joywind worker said. "The
kids in this area can't be expected to go
to Richmond for help. They need a place
to go on their own volition where they
can get help from people who know."

Besides having doctors and
psychologists available at the center, the
organizers hope to work out a policy
whereby those who come to the center
would be granted amnesty from the local
police.

When contacted yesterday, John
Bowen, Charlottesville Police Chief,
commented, "I cannot grant amnesty to
anybody." Mr. Bowen is also a former
narcotics agent and the current chairman
of the Central Virginia Drug Council.

As chairman of the Drug Council, Mr.
Bowen stated, "We are very much
interested in the Drug Center proposal. I
see the proposed center as a free clinic for
those with drug problems who do not
want to turn to the establishment."

"However," Mr. Bowen continued,
"we must take a long hard look at the
proposal. We do not want to rush into
anything. If this thing is not set up
properly it will probably fail.. We also
need to be concerned with generating
substantial community support."