We regret that the Operation Angel program has been so slow to catch on in Washington Parish.

Given that the facilities are open 24-hours-a-day, and given the stated interest of the Bogalusa and sheriff’s offices, there appear to be few roadblocks to driving addicts to the treatment centers if and when they ask for it.

However, if our public officials are not as eager to follow through the project, employees of Operation Angel have said anyone — any church, business or private citizen—can bring someone to their facility. There need not be any agreement or red tape involved the matter; for less than the cost of a tank of gas, anyone in our community can drive an addict to a recovery facility.

We understand this program will not save everyone. This drug treatment program is not a magic bullet that will cure the local drug problem. However, it is one piece of a much larger network of solutions. As such, it is irresponsible not to use it.

We hope some organization in our area will step up and offer rides, day or night, to the men and women who need them.