Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Tom Riley / Jennifer de Vallance 202–395–6618
February 5, 2003
(Washington, D.C.)—Treatment providers, researchers, and advocates nationwide are voicing support for President Bush's new treatment initiative. The initiative, part of the President's 2004 budget proposal submitted to Congress this week, seeks to provide effective services to people in need of treatment for drug or alcohol abuse through a voucher program. States will have flexibility to design the type of voucher that is appropriate for their systems, but the vouchers will allow treatment providers to seek reimbursement for their services and will have no face value to the client. The vouchers will be redeemed for care ranging in levels from brief interventions or counseling sessions, to intensive in-patient residential treatment by providers-including faith-based-designated by the individual states.
John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, said the program will "bring new levels of access, choice, and accountability to a national treatment system that is currently challenged with meeting the needs of 5.7 million drug-dependent Americans."
The initiative's potential to facilitate recovery for 300,000 drug- and alcohol-dependent individuals is being heralded by prevention and treatment leaders from across the nation. In congratulating President Bush on the announcement of the President's new treatment initiative, Joseph Califano, Chairman and President of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, said, "It is important to provide these funds to help close the gap between those who need treatment and the available treatment for them." Karen Freeman-Wilson, Executive Director of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals said, "The President's new voucher plan will allow those in and out of Drug Court to access treatment, and for that we commend him and his entire administration."
Acknowledging the plan's "no wrong door to treatment" approach, Ann Uhler, President of the Alcohol and Drug Problems Association of North America, said, "We support spiritual development as an essential component of treatment and recognize that social service branches of many faith-based groups have long met science-based standards." Dr. Lawrence Brown, President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), added that "ASAM appreciates the initiative and recognizes the importance of spirituality in recovery." Dr. Brown continued that the President's "leadership on this issue will have an enormous impact on people's attitudes toward addiction, as well as increasing access to treatment."
State and local advocates, as well as methadone treatment providers are highlighting the President's new treatment initiative ability to direct resources where they are needed most. Judy Cushing, President of Oregon Partnership, said, "We know that treatment works. What we need is more of it, for more people, through effective treatment providers. This initiative can help to meet the treatment gap in this country and here in Oregon." Mark Parrino, President of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, said, "President Bush's proposed three-year, $600 million plan to expand access to vitally-needed treatment services is critical. We are strongly encouraged that the initiative will provide greater access to opioid treatment. It builds on the principle of supporting evidence-based practices so that drug dependent individuals will gain access to care, leading to their recovery."
Summarizing the initiative's benefits for all Americans, Linda Hay Crawford, Executive Director of Therapeutic Communities of America said, "We are encouraged by the President's budget initiative to help addicted Americans find qualified treatment. By increasing access to evidence-based approached to alcohol and drug abuse treatment, we all stand to benefit by a decrease in emergency room visits, violence, job accidents, auto fatalities, workplace absenteeism, Medicaid and Medicare costs."
More information about the President's new treatment initiative is available at:
