TASK FORCE REACHING OUT TO THOSE WHO WANT TO REACH OUT

DUBOIS - It may sound like an old cliche, but the Clearfield-Jefferson
Heroin Task Force Inc. wants the public to know that help for an addiction
really is just a phone call away.

At a recent task force meeting, Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol
Commission Case Management Supervisor Angela Ireland gave a presentation on
how to make referrals for substance abuse treatment in Clearfield and
Jefferson counties.

To make a referral or inquiry, call the commission toll-free at 1-800-892-9002.

The commission's hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday,
but voicemail will pick up calls at any time. If someone leaves a message
on voicemail, Ireland said a case management supervisor will return the
call as soon as possible.

In the case of an obvious emergency, such as an overdose, call 911, Ireland
advised.

According to Ireland, the commission offers two different types of case
management - intensive and regular.

The commission provides free assessments to determine the level of care
someone seeking treatment needs.

During intensive case management - which every client is offered - clients
"could be anywhere along the addiction." Ireland said.

Intensive case managers help an addict or drug user with educational needs
or finding housing or employment. Basically, the case manager is an
"advocate for services," and assists a client with basic needs, according
to Ireland.

"We help them get stabilized," she said.

Case managers can meet clients in the community and help them with grocery
shopping or provide tips for healthy eating habits. Sometimes, after a
client has been addicted to drugs or alcohol, he or she is not eating at
all or has lost touch with basic necessities, Ireland said.

If a client is in need of detox, the commission can arrange for a detox
facility to provide transportation. A detox facility employee will pick up
a client in an unmarked vehicle, and the client can sit right up front with
the driver, according to Ireland.

She stressed that anyone can make a referral, and all information the
commission receives is confidential. People should not let confidentiality
worries deter them from seeking help, Ireland said.

The commission can only counsel clients who want assistance.

"Usually, by the time they get to us, they're ready to get help," Ireland
said, adding that the commission forces nothing on a client and does not
conduct interventions.

Unless an addict is willing to go into recovery, "quite frankly, there's
nothing that we can do," Ireland said.

As for the costs, some or all services are free depending on employment,
income or liability studies, but Ireland said there is always a way to get
a client help.

In other business:

The task force approved a proposal from member Laura Ishler.

The proposal entails asking each task force member to contact a church or
civic group in his or her community throughout Clearfield and Jefferson
counties and ask permission to post task force flyers directing people on
how to get help for an addiction.

"This would provide an opportunity to get our logo out there," task force
chairperson and Jefferson County District Attorney Jeffrey Burkett said.

By partnering with churches or civic groups, the task force can form
alliances, according to Burkett.

Ishler also contacted the Big Book about placing an ad in the Yellow Pages
for drug abuse information and treatment. She said the Big Book gave the
task force a reduced quote for an ad.