Meth Cases
Center on Halsted is saddened and shaken by the unfortunate events related to the illegal and dangerous use of drugs, specifically methamphetamine that are occurring in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) community.
In a safe and nurturing environment, Center on Halsted serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community that links and provides resources and enriches life experiences. We want to make sure individuals in the community needing substance abuse assistance are aware of Center on Halsted's ability to meet their needs.
Center on Halsted offers a LGBT helpline, 773-929-HELP ( 4357 ) , which is open every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Helpline volunteers are available to discuss topics such as drug use, suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
The Center also provides one-to-one and group counseling with professional therapists, including Spanish-speaking counselors, who are trained to address substance abuse-related issues. And, we are introducing group sessions for partners, family and friends of people who abuse drugs.
Center on Halsted, along with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, [ assisted ] in the organization of a meeting [ last ] week with leaders of other community-based organizations and the City of Chicago to mobilize and stop the epidemic of methamphetamine abuse in the LGBT community.
We must act quickly and collaboratively to educate our community about the dangers of substance abuse.
Robbin Burr, executive director
Center on Halsted
773-472-6469
www.centeronhalsted.org
Marriage Vows
I apologize that the word 'sham' was used in a Jan. 12, 2005 letter to the editor [ signed by a group of people ] to describe possible marriage licenses issued in Cook County. It was not my intention to offend the partnerships that many in our community share or to impugn the work of Equal Marriage Now! and the Gay Liberation Network on this issue.
Tom Tunney
Alderman, 44th Ward