Louisiana News&Commentary   by Samantha-Hope Atkins                            

Got Fiscal problems?  Got High Incarceration rates?  Treat addicts for savings....
"It is fiscally and morally indefensible to send people to jail for their addiction." according to Joseph Califano, from CASA's most recent study proving comprehensive treatment saves money, and lives, reduces crime.  Now that is certainly something that Louisiana could benefit from.  We spend 40% of our state's budget for our national leadership in rates of incarceration.  As for budget problems?  I think we again qualify. It costs far less to treat & train than to incarcerate.  Prison produces far less a person who entered with an untreated disease now returning to our communities untreated, with a prison record, and no viable job skills, coping skills, etc. We need tax payers, workers, not unhealthy addicts without the means to support themselves.
Califano argued that for states facing budget problems, similar treatment programs can save a great deal of money. Read the entire article on their report released 3/18/03

Parents in Recovery, give hope to their children Overall good article on a program in New Orleans providing parents with living skills, and support, for parents.   This program works to assist in cases, where parents have substance abuse/mental health problems, especially single moms who are struggling.  The idea is that if parents get help, find stability, less risk for their children.  read more

20 year old drinking driving and damaging-4 people.
Police said the driver responsible for the accident was Dustin Lejeune, 20, of Ville Platte. He was charged with DWI, four counts of vehicular negligent injury and passing on the shoulder, Troop I officials said. more

States are broke, trend to treat addicts to reduce recidivism, and cut costs to state budgets.
Louisiana leads the nation in incarceration, other states are reducing state spending, reducing crime, by treating addicts that are doomed to repeat their behavior without help.

Treatment, not jail: Another group of states - Texas, Oregon, California, Idaho and Arkansas - have expanded the use of drug treatment to greatly lower prison costs. Since about  80 percent of prison inmates have serious drug and alcohol problems, and states currently spend so little on prevention and treatment, this strategy has great potential for reducing budget deficits.   California, for example, expects its treatment programs to send 24,000 fewer persons to prison each year. In Arkansas, judges now have the discretion to sentence offenders convicted of non-violent, non-sexual offenses to treatment as opposed to a prison term.  Read the entire article

MADD-19 Billboards go up in Louisiana, portraying the impact of our Alcohol problems in this state.  More than 400 people lost their lives in Louisiana last year in alcohol related highway crashes, we have a crisis on our roads, Cathy Childers, state Director for MADD,  has done an excellent job in this state educating many on the impact of DWI fatalities, reminding us, that these are real lives, lost.  We need to address the real issues, MADD has recognizes that problem drinkers need help, and accountability, together we are working within our network to see that policy in Louisiana, begins to address the real problems, that result in these fatalities.  Untreated Alcoholism, virtually guarantees that this problem will grow, read their national position supporting DWI courts, and other treatment/accountability positions here

Also get a copy of the JAMA study, clearly showing that more than 50% of consumption of alcohol in the U.S. is by problem drinkers, including our youth.

DWI Task Force, yet to address untreated alcoholism.
"The task force includes advocates for anti-alcohol groups and representatives of the liquor industry as well as public safety officials and other law enforcement representatives. " from the article in the Shreveport Times

I can't figure out who the Anti Alcohol groups are, I think this fella means MADD, but considering that we are 2ND IN THE NATION in highway alcohol related fatalities on the roads, having the state director of MADD, on the Task force makes a whole lot of sense, the other members are legislators, Alcohol Lobbyists (see there info at www.GeogeBrown.net), Michael Duffy from the State Office of Addictive Disorders, and Col Champagne from Public Safety, Murphy  Painter, charged with enforcing alcohol laws, and others. 

While the task force did not endorse a specific proposal, it voted unanimously to back legislation to increase mandatory jail time for drivers convicted a third or fourth time for driving while intoxicated.  A bill passed in 2001 set a minimum jail term of 30 days and placed third-time offenders into intensive rehabilitation programs. Before the law was passed, convicted multiple offenders could have faced 10 years in prison - and still can if they fail to live up to the conditions for treatment and home incarceration.  Sen. Reggie Dupre, D-Montegut, unveiled draft legislation that would keep the provisions for intensive treatment for alcohol abuse and home incarceration after jail but would raise the minimum jail time to 90 days for a third offense and 180 days for a fourth offense.

In Louisiana we had more than 400 deaths last year  this is not acceptable, and can be reduced, if the real issue is addressed.  Increasing jail time for the alcoholic, and not increasing the 8% of treatment services available,  is not an effective approach for  treatment for a chronic disease as declared by the AMA in 1956.  The entire DWI Task force, received information and education from HopeNetworks (see our Action page).  We really can't expect a panel composed in great part t attorney's, paid lobbyists, legislators, and law enforcement to understand Addiction, and Addiction-Recovery, that is why we have been working so hard to provide this group with valuable data, facts, and information to assist.

There are other efforts underway to actually reduce  the  DWI fatalities, and crisis this state has at present..  Several bills will be authored with a more aggressive approach to screening, treating and monitoring, those arrested for violating the law and under the influence of alcohol.  What is being done, is not working, it is not enough, more than 400 deaths on our roads last year  alone, is too tragic to accept, especially considering other states have recognized that addiction is a disease, and have imposed systems that allow for both treatment, accountability.  Realizing this is not an issue of morality or weak character, will surely assist this group in moving forward in an effective solution.  You can not punish an alcoholic into a life of recovery. 
Cleaning up the costs of untreated alcoholism is a fiscal drain
see facts on addiction in LA
Part of the problem is a lack of funding for our OAD programs in Louisiana, but considering the steep fines imposed, and other costs, for DWI cases, an alternative system that would allow those dollars to be used for treating the illness makes far better sense, if the real intent is to reduce recidivism and deaths on our roads.  One of  the myths, that must be broken, is that the alcoholic has a choice in drinking responsibly, they simply have lost this ability, I hope the Task force will soon begin to see this for the public health issue it is, because not to do so, means innocent victims will continue to be subjected to the harm of alcohol on our roads.

The panel decided not to embrace Dupre's specific plan but agreed the current law needs to be modified.

Tonja Myles,  heat from National Treatment Professionals,  Is there now a wrong door for recovery?  First let me say, Tonja and her husband Darren are exceptional gifts to our community.  They are actively reaching out to those suffering from addiction.  They are not  politicians, or fancy foot policy analysts.  The no "wrong" door for recovery mantra, seems to only be applicable as long as those preaching, aren't threatened.  Vouchers for all treatment programs, that do not rule out those with faith based principles should not be under such harsh protest.  The guidelines for these vouchers, will surely include licensing requirements, although critics would have you believe otherwise.

The Myles'  are from a place of gratitude giving back, using their strong Christian beliefs and faith, to reach to those suffering.  It seems their honesty, and humility, have placed them in firestorm of debate nationally.  President Bush, clearly was demonstrating his appreciation for the value of community support and the spirit of a great part of America, our faith.  He did not specify faith in what, but spiritually focused community support like it or lump is part of how millions of us recover.  There is no reason that science based treatment, can not be provided by faith founded groups.

Study Shows Alcoholics, and Kids important customers to Alcohol Industry This is first report I have seen confirming what I and many others believe, that treating the sickest people dependent on alcohol, does not make good business sense for this industry.  Why else would we beg for treatment services  for a chronic illness (Alcoholism) in this state?  Voicing the truth, showing and participating in efforts to educate our policy makers on the fact that alcoholics/alcohol dependent people can and do recover.  That alcoholism is a primary disease like diabetes, and that it responds positively to treatment and prevention, in short that many of us do recover and we are like other members of our community, concerned about the healthcare, incarceration, and education, along with other policy issues especially where they relate to a disease we have experience, strength, and hope with.  Only 8% of those who need treatment in Louisiana find it available, more than 900 people on our waiting lists in this state.  Many law makers in this state, are in need of primary education on alcoholism/alcohol&drug abuse and addiction, if we are ever going to make any progress in this state.

*For the record, I attended the DWI Task Force meeting today, they still do not "Get it", or so it seems.  Just does not appear that treatment is a  priority.  At the close of the meeting, I did give the chairman Mr. Young, copies of the Jama Article, as well as information on youth drinking in the state.  Who knows, this task force has Alcohol Industry lobbyists, so it is a strange mix.  Mr. Duffy from OAD, Cathy Childers from MADD, Col. Champagne from Highway Safety, they are very aware of public health issues, the other members may not be.  Hopefully the information on our proposed legislation will be helpful, in finding a more reasonable approach, that actually address the issues. 

Setting tougher penalties alone, won't remedy this issue.  Treatment dollars are not growing, so resources outside of systems today need to be brought forward.    Priorities in this state need to be outlined, treatment and prevention is far more cost effective, compared to incarceration.  Alcoholics should not have be arrested numerous times before screenings and treatment options are made available.  In short the system sets those with drinking problems up to fail, not enough public treatment available (and they know that), tougher sanctions.  It is essentially saying you have a disease, and we are going to see that you suffer, in an effort to improve your behavior in our society, and guess what?  This is not an effective treatment for alcoholism.  It doesn't work, and we are 2nd in the nation in alcohol related highway fatalities.  This entire issue is still viewed as a "lack of" morality or  weak in character issue.  We hope to change this, by educating and raising awareness.

"This JAMA article makes clear that alcohol is a premier drug of abuse in America," says Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA president and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, “and sales to children, underage drinkers, and alcohol abusers are a critical component of the alcohol industry's profits." Read the CASA  article

Study Shows Gamblers Think More of Drinking When They are Winning
"In one study, her team brought 44 people into a simulated casino in a laboratory. Half of them were problem gamblers and half were normal gamblers. Half of each group was given moderate doses of alcohol, and all of them gambled for up to 30 minutes, using video lottery terminals. The gamblers with alcohol in their system played longer and doubled their bets more frequently."

Article on an issue of great concern to many in Louisiana, free drinks, and gambling, not a pleasant marriage for many!

Kids at risk, and countless others, it is time for treatment and accountability. 

See the whole story on WAFB Channel 9(BTR)

In March of 2001,Earline Collins, a school bus driver in East Baton Rouge Parish,  is charged with DWI and speeding in her own car, she is acquitted, and had no lapse in her employment as a school bus driver.  Now in February 2003,  EBRP School Board employee, and school bus driver,  since 1991, is again charged with DWI,  reckless operation of a vehicle, speeding and improper lane usage.  This time she was driving a bus, with children on board.
How outrageous is this?  It is more than frightening to me (My children ride in EBRP school bus's twice a day), my friends, family drive the same streets, as do many of you reading this.  There is no doubt, with Louisiana 2nd in the nation in alcohol related highway fatalities, that we have a MAJOR problem in our state and community.  What we are doing to reduce the number of drivers who are intoxicated on our roads, is not effective enough. A public safety approach has been used when we know research shows that this problem demands effective public health services too.

Louisiana law does not require those arrested for first offense DWI to be screened for alcoholism (alcohol dependence) or alcohol abuse.  In fact, there is no centralized policy on handling DWI cases across all 64 parishes.  The laws in place do not address the fact that Alcohol is the nation's  third leading cause of preventable death, killing 100,000 people annually.  How much harm does it take before those in need of medical treatment, are identified and offered help,  to even allow for accountability for the risk their behavior brings to the  public?

Research tells us 3/4 of those convicted of DWI are problem drinkers or alcoholics,  we must become willing to view this problem in our community as the public health issue it is,  if we are to reduce the threat  posed to our public safety.  If we are to make a dent in reducing the number of people driving on our roads while intoxicated, aggressive screening, treatment, and monitoring is needed.

Fines, incarceration, ignition devices, are band-aids for an underlying medical problem (1956 AMA recognized Alcoholism as a primary disease), and in great part hinder those with this problem from receiving effective help for their alcohol problems.  The first offense is a window of opportunity to identify and  provide help to those who are often in denial of their drinking problem. 

I recently testified in front of the Governors DWI Task Force on this very issue.   Legislation which imposes penalties for drinking and driving must include provisions for alcoholism (alcohol dependency) treatment, in addition to accountability.

We hope to see legislation passed that would provide both accountability and treatment (Modeled after our  Drug Courts in the State) to those who are identified as "problem drinkers" or alcoholics,  and are prevented due to their  untreated illness (alcoholism) from making "responsible choices" regarding their drinking. DWI courts if established, would provide the opportunity to prevent many deaths on our highways, and improve the quality of life for not just the alcoholic, but their family, friends, and the communities they live in.  Presently,  you must be convicted of a 2nd offense to even be screened for a drinking problem.

People don’t develop alcohol problems overnight. But like diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses, there are many opportunities to prevent and treat, or intervene, at an early stage.  Louisiana also needs legislation that mandates  Alcohol Screenings be required for every individual arrested  for DWI.

Most people who drink, do so responsibly, in great part because they are able to choose to do so.  The small number  of problem drinkers/alcoholics (compared to the majority who drink responsibly) bring great harm and risk to the public,  as a result of an untreated chronic illness.  Those identified  abusing alcohol (not dependent -not alcoholic) have shown to reduce and moderate their drinking when educated on steps to do so,  they are capable of doing  so unlike the alcoholic who does not have the power to choose moderation, due to their untreated illness. 

The legislation above, if passed stands to provide great hope to many people who are innocent victims of the untreated alcoholic's behaviors, as well as the alcoholic/problem drinker, his employer, family and friends.  It is hard to imagine how many lives on our highways could have already been saved (DWI courts estimate 4% reduction in highway alcohol related fatalities), and how many mother's putting their kids on school bus's this morning wouldn't be worried.

Relevant facts:

• Nearly three-quarters of drivers convicted of driving while impaired are either problem drinkers or alcoholics.
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “10th Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health: Highlights from Current Research,” June, 2000.
   
• Voluntary screenings and brief interventions are effective strategies for treating alcohol problems
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Alcohol Alert No. 49, “New Advances in Alcoholism Treatment,” October 2000.
   
• The federal government estimates that in 2001, 7.4 percent of full-time workers ages 18 to 49 – 6.5 million people – were alcoholic or problem drinkers.
   
• Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of preventable mortality in the US, after tobacco and diet/activity patterns (J McGinnis & W Foege, "Actual Causes of Death in the United States," Journal of the American Medical Association {JAMA}, Vol. 270, No. 18, 11/10/93, p. 2208).
  
   

This is not some third world country we live in!  In Lafayette "people begin lining up outside the clinic doors about 3 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday and sometimes will have to wait up to five hours to see a doctor, depending upon how many have volunteered that night." read the Advocates Article

This article, truly shows the kindness of many good people, healthcare professionals, however it also clearly defines a real problem hard working people face everyday in this state.  How long will people working hard have to go without basic healthcare?  Healthcare reform, access to quality services is a must if we are going to grow in this state.  Thank you to these good people, working to do what they can,  when they can,  to be part of the solution at least  until reform does take place.


Desperate need, Compassionate giving
Working citizens of this state, who can't afford health insurance, or are not offered health insurance, still have health problems, and still need preventative care.  When you have to decide between your rent and medication  for high blood pressure, the rent gets paid!  Louisiana residents need healthcare coverage!  Affordable healthcare should not require standing in line after working all day, with children and family needs going to the wayside.  By not providing resources, or possibility, for affordable access to healthcare we stand to reduce the ability of those actually working, and contributing to their communities growth.  How inspiring to see those willing to tackle this growing problem with REAL solutions using the available resources at hand.  A collaborative effort between the pharmaceutical companies donating medications, and giving physicians willing to donate their time to these free clinics.   (Louisiana most unhealthy state to live-3rd year in a row) 



Imagine if Treatment was as available as Alcohol & Drugs

State Policy makers-are they like the federal government using ignorance and prejudice to create our state's laws regarding Alcohol and Drug addiction?  C.Everett Koop a formal Surgeon General, is calling for the Federal government, to redirect its efforts and use valuable federal dollars for effective control of our "Drug problems" by treating addiction as a controllable, public health problem focusing on treatment availability.  With only 8% of those in need getting treatment, I believe we too must educate our state's policy makers.  Should a person have to loose thousands of dollars, and get arrested several times before they are offered treatment services?   The stigma of being an alcoholic (bad irresponsible citizen, a criminal) comes from a lack of education and awareness.   That is how our system works at present for alcohol related offenses.   We hope to see  Louisiana legislators, take note of the real public health crisis that is present in this state.  Our state policy makers, must consider the real issue, which is the problems in this state will not improve until we make treatment as available as the drugs that destroy those with this disease.

 Locking up sick people, does not cure them, nor does it reduce the harm our communities face. Public Safety is best protected when accountability is possible, which demands that alcoholics/addicts get effective treatment.  Drug courts are working in Louisiana, now it is time to see that all "drugs" are recognized in this system.  Alcohol is a drug.

This article validates and supports efforts to see regulation and control of not only illegal drugs (17% of our countries addiction related illness) but to address the Alcohol and Nicotine problems that quietly plague the health and well being of millions of people in this country.
WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) - The problem of addiction has been neglected by the federal government and the public health establishment out of ignorance and prejudice, just as HIV/AIDS was in its early days, said former surgeon general C. Everett Koop here Wednesday.  "We must expand greatly our efforts to help those with addictions so that getting treatment will be as easy as getting addictive drugs," Koop said, speaking to addiction specialists and government officials at a meeting on innovative substance abuse treatment sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Johns Hopkins University Read the article here

DHH is looking basic healthcare for our states poorest working families-HIGH FIVE!!!
Louisiana taxpayers, pay either way, why not reduce the costs, and save lives?
With 20% of 4.5 million in the workforce uninsured, this issue being discussed is one that stands to improve the quality of life for all in Louisiana.  Imagine this, you are your families sole provider working everyday.  Your employer provides healthcare coverage, but no way you can afford this, you live paycheck to paycheck.  You can't afford to get sick right?  Your body doesn't agree with you, and a trip to the ER after passing out at work, shows you are a diabetic.  Now what do you do next?  No insurance, can't miss work if you want to feed your family, but a chronic illness that may be managed totally by altering your diet or medication, stands to render you on the "disabled" rolls.  Providing healthcare coverage that would allow someone to gain access to affordable healthcare, is just what might keep this guy working.  His working and paying taxes into the state coffers is good for me,  you, his family, and community.  Breaking the cycle of poverty, building a healthy workforce, eliminating very costly expenses of critical care etc, is just a win, win. 

One barrier those in low-income populations face is a lack of primary healthcare.  Unhealthy, uninsured, unemployed, becomes far more expensive to our state than the costs of preventative care.  Poor Health, poorly educated, means poor workforce, which of course limits economic development.  Lack of healthcare is a huge drain on our states healthcare, by the time someone becomes "disabled" the treatment is far more expensive, and the suffering greater,  than had the illness been treated or all together prevented. Below in the article there is a link, after your read the entire article share your thoughts, I would like to compile these and send them to DHH, so if you want to remain anonymous, just state that in your comments!   

While there is a heavy emphasis on private insurance, DHH is also considering an expansion of the government-funded Medicaid insurance program to provide limited benefits to poor Louisianans whose income is at or below the federal poverty level.  The federal poverty level is about $12,000 for a family of two and $18,000 for a family of four.  "It's very early. We are drafting issue, concept papers," said Jennifer Steele, a DHH executive management consultant. "We are trying right now to get feedback."   "We really haven't heard anything adverse. We want to air it in the context of the legislative session -- get tentative authority." The legislative session begins March 31. The focus is to get insurance for the uninsured through a partnership with Medicaid and private insurance at a cost that's essentially neutral to the state and federal governments.  Read the article in the Advocate here

Prevention starts in treatment?
This Alcohol study from Harvard, totally supports improving the environmental factors youth are exposed to in Louisiana.  Our culture, and lax attitude on excessive drinking, stand to impact our children.  Billboards, ladies & "Free drink" specials, loopholes in our laws that make enforcement of 21 to drink almost impossible, on and on. This study really says what most of us know, but few of us realize.  This combined with the fact that our public treatment in this state is so lacking, meaning parents who do have drinking problems, may not have access to treatment.  OAD which provides 99% of the treatment in this state only has funding to support 8% of the population in need.  Which further exposes our youth to unhealthy drinking in their homes, with their parents, or just lax attitudes that dismiss heavy drinking.  It's like a snowball effect, and it is costing this state billions of dollars, and thousands of lives.  Closing loopholes, and providing family based treatment and support in our communities is in great need in Louisiana.

Alcohol Accessibility, Living Environment, Parents Among Key Factors in Decision to Binge Drink

1/03
College freshmen learn more from an environment that promotes binge drinking, than from lectures, workshops, or educational materials on alcohol, according to a national study from the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study. The report examined why some college freshmen, who did not binge drink in high school, take up binge drinking, while others drink little or not at all.

Parental behavior and attitudes. Students who reported that their parents drank while they were growing up were more likely to take up binge drinking than students who said their parents didn’t drink. Students who also reported that their parents disapproved of their children drinking while they were growing up were less likely to take up binge drinking.
Factors that most influenced students to take up binge drinking included:

This is the President's FY 2004 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
as testimony from Sec. Thompson was given in House Committee On Ways And Means.

This testimony reviews the following initiatives:
Supporting the President's Disease Prevention Initiative, Strengthening and Improving Medicare,
New Freedom Initiative, Empowering America's Families, Fighting Bioterrorism, Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Improving the Health, Well-being and Safety of our Nation "Mr. Chairman, the budget I bring before you today contains many different elements of a single proposal; what binds these fundamental elements together is the desire to improve the lives of the American people."   Read this Testimony

 

The federal excise tax falls on heavy drinkers who appropriately assume a greater share of the costs of problems caused by their drinking (20 percent of the heaviest drinkers consume 85 percent of all alcoholic beverages).
This is where I get very baffled, it seems that we have about 20% of the population who make up 85% of the alcohol consumption (revenue for Alcohol Industry).   If  20%  were to find help with these drinking problems and if that help  was traditional abstinence based, recovery, then the Alcohol Industry would see a decline resulting in 85% of their revenues evaporating.  This explains in great part why organizations that are not "Public Health/Treatment/Pro-Recovery" are allowed to fight this tough problem.  If the public health issues were addressed (Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism/Alcohol Dependence.  The  the public safety concerns would find improvement when sick people received treatment and support/monitoring.  Not rolling back the National Beer Tax, certainly makes sense.  We need those taxes to pay for the public costs that arise from this illness.  We must contact those in Congress, and let them know, this is money that someone is going to have pay, either all citizens, or those who incur the costs, and need treatment and other social services.  Makes sense to me, and I am sure many other taxpayers.  We need to send a message that if anything, we need more treatment services, especially in this state, can't support a decrease in an already under funded Treatment budget in this state, maybe we should let them know, we need those dollars down here, because we certainly have a lack of Treatment funding when compared to the overwhelming need.
 

Getting "Tough" of drunk drivers totally discounts the Public Health Issue
Please also see our Facts and Info "Quick List" of facts on Alcohol Policy relevant information.
The repetitive use of words that continue to label people with a chronic illness as hardened criminals, is incorrect. They are not bad people, but sick people.  Facing many barriers to finding resources that are effective in treating their disease, along with a powerful stigma that supports denial.  Reducing the stigma, educating and raising awareness, that Alcohol is a drug, and Alcoholism/Alcohol dependence is a disease is key.  In 1957 the AMA identified Alcoholism/Alcohol Dependence as a primary disease.  We know today treatment is far more effective in reducing recidivism, for those in need of treatment.  The lack of treatment services in Louisiana, combined with our Public Safety department effecting public policy may be part of the problem.  2nd highest rates of highway fatalities, is no doubt a public safety issue, but for at least 1/3 of the DWI offenders, the solution is in the public health sector. Many are not even aware that Alcohol is a drug, our culture supports those living in denial of a disease, or generally accepting alcohol abuse as "a way of life here"  Screening 1st time arrests, and funding resources to effectively allow our OAD office to support treatment services, for those that are alcoholic, in addition, those who are not alcoholic, moderation thru education, may too prevent a 2nd, or 3rd offense.  Must be considered to address the root of this problem.  Would public safety guide the policy for assisting diabetics?  This is a collaborative effort between these organizations, focused on the public health issues, with accountability and monitoring falling to Public Safety.  Locking up, Condemning, contributing to the financial woes of a suffering alcoholic, does little to treat the disease.  Support our state officials in policy that identifies problem drinkers sooner than later, as it seems later has gotten us ranked as 2nd in the nation in fatalities, I can't help but wonder, what if a brief intervention had been performed?  How many lives would have been saved?  (The alcoholic included that often lives in denial as part of the effects of the disease). 
 

AMEN!  Every Path to Recovery is a good one!  Our Tonja Myles, gets the Presidents Praise for her Faith-Based Recovery Programs
Tonja and I spoke last week, discussing Recovery Advocacy, and the role of Faith-Based recovery in our collaborative efforts.  We profiled her in our Faith-Community section, and wanted to get her assistance in forming a statewide committee for Faith Leadership, and she was as always willing to be part of the solution!   So we are talking,  and she tells me "The Presidents office called for information on our program", and then I was so excited, (Our Recovering Community is LOUD) couldn't wait to see what would happen, so proud of her.   Well, let me say, we are supposed to go have coffee today, and Tonja, I do believe won't make it!  Seems she was honored with traveling to D.C., and attending "State of Union" speech, both she and Darren, her husband!  This is so excellent.  Recovery, and Public Policy, do not have to be political issues, and President Bush has demonstrated that, he has in my opinion, been very supportive of community based efforts, and that says allot!  His actions and words, are the same, the funding for Faith-Based services is something very powerful.  "Set Free Indeed" with resource opens a huge door of possibility for many in need of support and choosing a spiritually based recovery programs. Now, lets hope Tonja gets home soon, we need her to assist in sending a message, with experience, strength, and hope to the many Faith-Leaders of the state!  Together....We are making progress!  Thank you Tonja and Darren for your commitment, and hard work!




Faith based groups and HUD funding 
President Bush, wants to see more homeless shelters, soup kitchens, in our communities, all details have not been worked out, but many community and social service  groups have been overlooked it seems by federal programs offering funding, President Bush is working to change that.  Offering these funding opportunities would allow organizations that may not have qualified previously for federal monies to grow their programs, to become eligible..  Read the article here.