House Financial Services Subcommittee Issues Testimony From Recovery Kentucky
"Good morning, Chairman Duffy and Ranking Member Cleaver. Let me welcome you to
"Every 6.5 minutes someone dies from alcohol abuse. Every 12 minutes some dies of suicide-- many associated with substance use disorder (SUD). This is a public health emergency of the most challenging nature. In a conversation with NIDA Director, Dr.
"One way of addressing this crisis is through programs like Recovery Kentucky that include transitional housing along with peer support based upon the 12-step model. We now have 18 centers in
"Overall, Recovery Kentucky clients make significant strides in all targeted areas and have much more support for their recovery after participation. In addition, the Recovery Kentucky Program saves taxpayer dollars and adds value via workforce development as over 75% of graduates become gainfully employed.
"The recovery programs have been named "A Model That Works" by the
"We are pleased with the outcomes but recognize that up to 30% drop out of this voluntary program and leave before entering the program. Those individuals may be better suited for medication assisted treatment or MAT. MAT is evidenced based, but it too does not work for everyone and it is primarily focused on opioid use disorder.
"One size does not fit all and a holistic approach that combines the recovery model and MAT may provide the best approach to meet individual needs. For that reason, as my organization seeks to expand this model to other states, we are partnering with MAT providers to offer program alternatives and provide effective intervention for a larger number of people.
"Our program depends upon funding thru HUD and is consistent with the HUD Recovery Housing Policy Brief that defines
"Facility funding depends upon Low Income Housing Tax Credits and money from Federal Home Loan programs. Operational funding combines Section 8 vouchers, SNAP, Community Development Block Grants and per diems paid for by state
"Nearly 70 % of our residents are from Corrections--parole, probation or diversion from drug courts.
"For Corrections, it is a prudent use of tax dollars with a great ROI. Why? Because in large part we stop the cycle of poverty and criminal activity often associated with drug seeking behavior, as well as responding to the chronic health conditions represented by drug and alcohol addiction. Our recidivism rate is low because lives are transformed by engendering meaning and purpose and teaching skills necessary for self-sufficiency.
"This type of transformation is only possible when housing is incorporated in the program that extends beyond 28 days as often found in residential treatment programs. The controlled environment found in the Recovery Kentucky programs provides the discipline, training and support that overwhelmingly stops the cycle of poverty, homelessness and criminal activity by addressing root causes. With low rates of relapse, we reduce the risk of overdose as well--an important goal of your efforts.
"Given this backdrop, I want to thank
"As part of the
"We are establishing a
"We currently utilize creative funding streams from HUD,
"
"Setting aside project vouchers in this way will make it easier to provide more effective recovery programs. Unfortunately, there are, as in every industry, those who run programs that are little more than scams. Thankfully, this legislation has stipulations to ensure the programs funded are effective and well run, like Recovery Kentucky and other well-run programs across the nation.
"Another of our funding sources is CDBG grants. These funds are always at risk and I would recommend that you look at making funds available for proven and effective residential recovery programs as well as traditional MAT.
"I also want to thank
"In summary to provide the best continuum of care to address this crisis, the
* Passage of the THRIVE Act
* Recommend taking some of the already identified opioid budgeted funds to add additional funding for more of these project-based vouchers because of the pressing need and effectiveness of residential programs
* More allocation of the Opioid appropriations be directed toward proven recovery efforts in addition to MAT
* Provide funding that would offset cuts for CDBG grants recognizing that substance abuse treatment is an important part of community development
* Lastly, I recommend that the
"Again, thank you for your work and coming to
Bill would help consumers and the economy by ensuring that consumers’ credit scores aren’t haunted by paid-off debt taken on through no fault of their own
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News