Janet Forrest

I am the mother of a young woman who lost her life to addiction at the age of 29, while incarcerated for 90 days for possession. (First Offense, not in NH) Had she been able to access proper medical treatment / supervision during her withdrawal from opioids (which typically is the first 5 days of withdrawal that are critical) she may be alive today. She was not able to convince the guards that she needed medical supervision. When she became angry, she was placed in solitary confinement, with NO supervision or support. This bill, I fear, would put MANY others at risk of the same end of life. Addicts are human beings with a disease that IS treatable with the proper support. Please do not allow this bill to pass, leaving many without that chance to become productive members of society again. Sincerely, Janet Kelly Forrest, CHW / GRASP group facilitator