SUBSTANCE ABUSE STATISTICS STAGGERING

We read almost daily reminders about the negative and sometimes fatal
consequences of substance abuse. The national statistics are staggering:

About 50 percent of all murders are attributed to substance use.

In 69 percent of all drownings, the deceased was legally intoxicated.

Every 22 minutes, somebody dies in an alcohol-related accident nationally.

Locally, our communities are working hard to address this issue. Studies
show for every $1 spent on treatment, we save $12 in health care, workplace
savings, and criminal justice costs.

The need for increased funding is paramount in the fight against alcohol
and other drug use, abuse, and addiction. The ADAS system has placed Issue
3 on the May 7 ballot. A vote for this levy is a vote to help fight the war
on addiction.

BRUCE JOHNSON

Director of Chemical Dependency Treatment

Connecting Point

West Central Avenue