JACOA TO AID CITY DRUG COURT, WOMEN ADDICTS

Despite state budget problems, a local alcohol and drug treatment facility
is expanding its services to treat more addicts.

The Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency plans to provide
intensive outpatient treatment to about 20 nonviolent offenders this year
in Jackson's drug court program. The program, set to begin in July, is
designed to treat and rehabilitate drug and alcohol addicts.

But JACOA is volunteering its services. The four-year $344,000 grant for
the drug court program does not provide funds for treatment.

"We don't turn people away based solely on their ability to pay," JACOA
Executive Director Douglas Harr said.

Providing services without reimbursement or funds happens frequently at
JACOA. For example, the agency is opening a transitional living facility
for women next month with a small grant for the building. But no money
exists for the transitional care, Harr said.

A transitional facility provides a sober living environment to those who
have satisfactorily completed treatment.

JACOA also provides a clinical psychologist and a physician to the patients
without being reimbursed. It also provides free aftercare and family
counseling programs, said JACOA Financial Manager Jacki Hoveskeland.

"JACOA fills a need," she said. "There are no grants for these programs, so
we depend on donations."

Last fiscal year, JACOA received $152,228 in local government donations and
$1,095 in private donations, according to its financial statement. The
Madison County Commission was going to cut back $30,000 last week, but
decided not to, Harr said. The United Way also donates money.

JACOA, however, may still face budget cuts if state legislators vote for a
no-new revenue budget.

"If the state health department is cut, then JACOA could also be cut," Harr
said.

The health department provides a block grant for indigent addicts and a
regional training grant for workshops. Another grant provides treatment for
individuals with a second DUI conviction, Harr said.

"We already ran out of that (DUI) money this year," he said.

So JACOA officials are hoping for no more cuts to this year's budget and no
cuts in next year's.

"We cut into our reserves and with those cuts we still have a $171,100
projected deficit for next year's budget," Hoveskeland said.

JACOA serves more than 600 men and women from West and Middle Tennessee
each year. The agency provides residential and intensive outpatient
treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts.

- - J.K. Devine, (731) 425-9763

How to help

JACOA's wish list includes a new commercial dishwasher; washers and dryers;
wardrobe closets for women; a 14-passenger van or bus; and 100 acres of land.

For more information or to donate, call Monica Olson at 423-3653.

"JACOA fills a need. There are no grants for these programs, so we depend
on donations." Jacki Hoveskeland, JACOA financial manager.