Press Release - Nov 28, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 2007
CONTACTS
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
Liz McDonough, 303.748.6910, liz.mcdonough@state.co.us
Gov. Ritter Accepts $13.6 Million For State Of Colorado Enhanced Substance Abuse Treatment Services
Gov. Bill Ritter today accepted a check for $13.6 million to expand substance abuse treatment and recovery services in the state of Colorado. The Colorado Access to Recovery Program received three years of funding to increase existing treatment capacity, give clients greater choice of providers and enhance the participation of community and faith-based organizations in supporting individuals recovering from substance abuse problems.
The grant proposal was a collaborative effort between the Department of Human Services' Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division and Peer Assistance, a community-based non-profit treatment organization.
According to Karen Beye, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services, whose agency will administer the grant, the program will provide vouchers for substance treatment and related services for youth and young adults who:
- Have a current problem with alcohol or drugs;
- Are not being referred to treatment in order to satisfy requirements resulting from a drinking and driving offense;
- Do not have private or public heath insurance coverage, and
- Are willing to participate in an independent assessment of their service needs.
Peer Assistance Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Pace lauded the State's efforts to work with the community in crafting the initiative. "These grants are highly competitive. Department staff were very helpful and supportive of this proposal and it would not have been successful without that."
"I congratulate Colorado in developing an innovative program that will ensure greater access to substance abuse treatment and to increase recovery for people with addiction and substance abuse," said Dr. Terry Cline who heads the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that is funding the grant. Cline presented the check at a news conference in the Governor's Office Wednesday morning.
"Substance abuse is very costly to the State of Colorado, in both human and financial terms, Gov. Ritter said. "We know that with the proper treatment and support, people can recover from addiction and lead healthy and productive lives. In the long term, this grant will help us save both lives and money."
Assessments are scheduled to begin in February 2008.
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