High-speed chase took innocent brother's life

High-speed chase tookinnocent brother's life
EDITOR:
On Feb. 15, I had a very happy, helpful and wonderful brother who was so full of life. Because of the irresponsible actions of the Boardman Police Department on Feb. 16, my brother tragically began the greatest and final fight for his life. Although the police feel they are not at fault for this matter, it was again another high-speed pursuit that trapped my brother in the wrong place at the wrong time.
At this very traumatic and sorrowful time I have but one question: How many people are arrested and taken into custody at speeds ranging from 40 to 90 mph? Maybe the answer will justify "high speed pursuits," to me. Otherwise they're as stupid and senseless as my young brother's passing.
I hope only that someone will be found responsible for this senseless tragedy.
RICHARD J. SWANTNER
Struthers
Many need OxyContin for health not abuse
EDITOR:
It's happening again. The forces of sensationalism are overcoming fact and reason, only to make a bad situation worse.
Regarding abuse of the prescription pain medication OxyContin, the medical community has done a poor job of communicating facts to the public.
Those who have attempted to defend legitimate use of this drug have commonly described it as "synthetic morphine," and have illustrated the drug primarily as a treatment for those suffering from the pain of cancer.
Although OxyContin is frequently prescribed to patients with cancer pain, the majority of OxyContin prescriptions are provided to patients with chronic disabling, but non-life-threatening conditions, such as back pain, headaches or severe arthritis.
There are millions of Americans who legitimately suffer from chronic pain syndromes which prohibit them from maintaining a reasonable quality of life. They are often unable to hold jobs and maintain relationships, and often fall victim to psychiatric disease, substance abuse and suicide. Although OxyContin is not a panacea, the lives of many have been dramatically improved with its appropriate use. Since this drug is a pure pain medication, without additives which can be toxic at increased doses, it can be utilized at high doses, which are often necessary to control these patients' pain.
OxyContin truly is the best option available to those suffering from chronic intractable pain. Those who call for its ban must understand that the events chronicled in recent news reports are not the result of patients using this medication as prescribed by their doctor. Instead, they illustrate acts of deception and illegal drug diversion. On the street, OxyContin is being crushed, smoked, snorted, and modified in makeshift laboratories to an injectable form.
There is no question that this problem has reached epidemic proportions. But eliminating OxyContin or restricting its use in a way that denies proper care to those suffering from severe chronic pain is not the answer. With or without OxyContin, abusers will abuse. Let us search for an answer that is based on fact and is in the best interest of the patient, as well as the public.
SHAWN M. DONATELLI, D.O.
Lowellville