Kamloops Daily News

Sherry Bradette    Timmins Ontario Canada

Posted at 11:45am on Friday, November 27th, 2009

I just read an article in your November 25th paper about the possible investigation of the demise of John Paul Gibbons. The article started off being well written and newsworhty; however, I found the last few paragraphs belittling, devaluing and dehumanizing. Do addictions and mental health concerns make one's life any less valuable than any one else's? Does the bereaved family suffer any less from their loss? I think it is time to wake up!!! Articles such as these only enhance and perpetuate stigma -the media should be one our greatest tools to promote prevention, intervention and return to wellness. Empathy is not only a commodity it is a requisite.