Pubdate: Fri, 10 Oct 2003
Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY)
Copyright: 2003 Messenger-Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.messenger-inquirer.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285
Author: Steve Vied
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT URGED

Local Governments To Receive $8.2 Million

Dollars for substance abuse treatment are greatly needed in Daviess County, 
people at a Citizens Health Care Advocates meeting said Thursday, and at 
least some of the $8.2 million local governments stand to receive upon the 
restructuring of Owensboro Medical Health System should be devoted to 
filling that need.

"We have not made it a health care priority, and it's time to do so," said 
Debbie Zuerner Johnson, director of Community Solutions, an organization 
that combats substance abuse.

Mary Danhauer, a nurse practitioner who attended the meeting at the Green 
River District Health Department, agreed with Johnson about the need to 
help people with drug and alcohol dependency.

"I have a concern about drug and alcohol treatment, and I see a great 
benefit for mental health treatment," she said. "We should invest the money 
and use the interest for a steady stream of funds."

Retired attorney Morton Holbrook voiced support for setting the money aside 
for health care needs only. "Whoever decides how the money will be used 
needs to remember it was derived from patients," Holbrook said. "Keep it 
for health care. . . . If it goes to government, it will be subject to 
pulls from all directions."

Holbrook is opposed to using the money to pay for a recreation complex, as 
has been suggested.

"A rec-plex doesn't seem to measure up to other legitimate calls," he said. 
"We need to devote the entire $8.2 million to these health needs. Any of 
these needs far outweigh the need for a rec-plex."

Suzanne Rose said alcohol and drug abuse contributes to homelessness.

"Use part of the money for a medical de-tox center at the hospital," she said.

Daviess County Commissioner Mike Riney was at the meeting and took another 
position on the future of the $8.2 million of assets in the soon-to-be 
dissolved ODCH Inc. board.

"What are we going to do to stop (substance abuse) problems before they 
become problems?" he asked. "That's where I want to see some of the money 
used. Young parents, that's where we have to start. We have to get to these 
young people before they become addicts."

On a different topic, Seth Parker said he hopes restructuring of the 
governance of OMHS will result in less of a focus on making money.

"I hope with the change in governance it will change the focus from profit 
to not-for-profit," Parker said. "If they go from profit-oriented to 
people-oriented and try to just break even, there will be more money for 
services to people. Hopefully, the hospital will say 'yes, we are a 
not-for-profit organization.' Costs will go down, and they can provide a 
lot more care."
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