GOVERNMENT REDUCES STATE FUNDING FOR ALCOHOL, DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMS

With an over-$300,000 reduction in state funding for the Brazos Valley
Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse's alcohol and drug prevention
programs, communities in Washington County may have to look to the schools
to educate children about drugs and alcohol.

BVCASA was forced to cut several of its drug prevention programs after only
receiving $597,054 from the state this year, in contrast to almost
$847,9044 last year.

The organization has provided prevention, intervention and treatment
services to Washington, Robertson, Madison, Leon, Grimes, Burleson and
Brazos counties, and is the only provider of such services in the region.

Director of finance Scott Leighman said the hit dealt a devastating blow to
the organization and would leave it with virtually no choice but to shut
down the programs.

"Money wise, $300,000 might not sound like a lot of money, but for an
organization like us its a pretty big kick in the teeth," Leighman said.

Leighman said the organization may have to look for alternative sources of
funding if it is to keep the programs alive. Five prevention personnel have
already been laid off as a result of the loss of funds.

"We're always looking for funding sources," Leighman said, "be it from
businesses or normal citizens. A lack of funding has really put us in kind
of a sticky situation.

"We're pursuing other options, but if we don't have the funding, we can't
do it. Grants and funding are how (the programs) could survive."

Leighman said the public school systems may have to pick up the slack and
spend more time on drug and alcohol prevention education.

"If you figure what's going on, somebody is going to have to pick up the
slack," Leighman said. "Who else is going to do it? So yeah, you're
thinking guidance counselors, teachers and principals will do it.

"The folks in Brenham are going to want substance abuse education for their
children. There has been a whole lot of proof that if you teach children
about that stuff, it has a positive impact on them.

"Teachers, principals and counselors will have to do it. It will tax the
education system, but let's say we don't have (drug prevention education).
Then, it will tax the prison system and cost more money there."

The cuts will have little to no effect on the treatment program, which has
received enough funding to continue in almost full capacity, Leighman said.