Fear, anger, accusations
I want to address those who have reacted with fear, anger and accusations over the proposed Healing Campus/medication-assisted treatment clinic in Sequim.
Spreading misinformation to fuel the division within our community is the real problem.
Denial that Sequim has a serious opioid addiction problem is nothing less than choosing ignorance in order to live in a “safe” little bubble named Sequim.
Opioid addiction is happening to those we work with, to our neighbors, to our family members and friends.
Because of the cruel stigmatization of addicts by some in our community, it’s no wonder that our friends and family members do not want it known that they suffer from addiction.
Jefferson Healthcare, Olympic Medical Center, Peninsula Behavioral Health and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe are working together to create this much-needed clinic.
Yet, blame and anger have been directed solely at the tribe.
The accusations being thrown at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe have been inexcusably racist.
These uninformed accusations lack knowledge of the tribe’s history and generosity to our community.
As for the tribe making a “profit,” (never questioned of other local health industries) the law requires that any excess revenue can only be spent on health care-related programs.
Terri Tyler,
Sequim