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."