ABUSE TREATMENT SAVES MONEY

Thank you to members of the General Assembly and the Governor of
Illinois for prioritizing and voting to restore funding for programs
that address the diseases of substance abuse and alcoholism.

By doing so, they have voted to save thousands of lives, save millions
of taxpayer dollars in the long-run and capture more than $55 million
in federal dollars.

Since July, the State of Illinois had cut the budgets for drug and
alcohol programs by a disproportionate 43 percent, leaving thousands
of vulnerable people and families. Statistics show one in three
families are impacted in some way. In the last few months the
substance abuse industry, the large but once silent community
afflicted with the disease, and constituents at large, galvanized to
educate our legislature and the community about the past success of
Illinois recovery programs that made these cuts, in essence, penny
wise and pound-foolish. Illinois substance abuse successful protocols
are being heralded as a National model. Illinois programs are showing
improved results in mainstreaming those afflicted with a renewed sense
of purpose, productivity and accountability to themselves and others.
The funding benefits programs that studies show save $7 for every $1
spent on treatment. In addition, by voting to restore the budget for
substance abuse the State of Illinois averted the loss of a dollar for
dollar federal match. Well done.

NELI VAZQUEZ-ROWLAND

Vice President

A Safe Haven Foundation

Chicago