Evening star., 1953-12-16
RehobiIituting Alcoholics

I would like to congratulate The Star
for the recent excellent report on the
Alcoholic Clinic of the District Of Co
lumbia. The nature and scope of the
problems relating to alcoholism were
well delineated The emphasis on the
preventive public health implications
of treating alcoholics early in their i'll
ness was correctly placed. Indefinite
confinement in an alcoholic rehabilita-
work center for chronic court-jail ire
reaters" was realistically presented.
/ would like to take this opportunity
to correct the statement that the
Hebert Act Increased the license fees
by 10 per cent for rehabilitation.
Actually, the original act was amended,
SO that only per cent of the license
fees have been devoted to rehabilita-
ton. The 10 per cent originally ap-
proved would take care of current clinic
expenses. This we hope Congress in the
near future will grant for the continu-
alton of the present community pro-
gram.
/ would also like to point out that
in all choronic disease rehabilitation
programs results" are not reflected by
statistical evidence. The human recla-
nation efforts will always continue in
cancer, heart disease, tuberculosis,
mental illness, ETC., regardless of "re-
suits" Relief of suffering from chronic
illness in the patient. family and COM
munity is an acknowledged responsible
ity even though relapses may be fire.
Quent and results" unimpresSive sta
tistically. The responsibility of a ra-
tional, humanitarian economic ap-
proach is essential. This applies to
chronic alcoholism. The District of Co
lumbia program for alcoholics by COM
parative study with other State pro-
grams has made optimistic develop
ment in the direction of an ideal COM
munity program for alcoholics. The
necessity for continued growth and col
laboration with all interested groups,
the staff of the clinic accepts and an
ticipateS.
I wish to again thank The Star for
the leadership taken in promoting re-
habilitation Of alcoholics in our COM
HuiliCy' Anthony Zappala. M. D.,
Director, Alcoholic Rehabilitation
Program. District Health De-
partment.
The editorial in The Star Deem
ber 7, under the title Fourth Public
Health Problem" was most timely ex-
preston of a serious problem. wish to
thank you on behalf of the Bureau of
Disease Control and the Department
of Public Health of the District of Co
lumbia for calling public attention to
this serious community situation.
Likewise, wish to say that George
Kennedy's article appearing on the
same editorial page. entitled Report
on Districts Alcoholic Clinic" was also
appreciated. It states succinctly both
sides of the present picture. However,
believe the clinic is contributing much
in a preventive measure. but, Of course,
the value of it cannot be accurately
estimated We need continued public
support of this type and, since the re-
organization of the Department of Pub
lie Health the Alcoholic Rehabilitation
Clinic has become my responsibility. !
have given it great deal of thought.
I wish to thank you for the interest
The Star has taken in this civic prob
lem and I am sure you will continue
" uo 'o' John r. Pate, M. D.,
Director, Bureau of Disease Control,
District Health Department.