ALASKA CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
2003 BIENNIAL ASSEMBLY

A Resolution in Support of
REFORMING MANDATED TREATMENT IN ALASKA
(The Alcohol Fund Package)

Resolution 5-03
 

Whereas, Alaskans share a common goal of safe communities, strong families and healthy children, and

Whereas, the abuse of alcohol and other drugs costs lives, causes heartache, and is widely considered to be Alaska's No. 1 social problem, and

Whereas, substance abuse is a financial burden on the State and all of its communities, costing an estimated $614 million in lost productivity, increased crime and detention, and more demand for social services programs, according to a 2002 study for the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and

Whereas, a 2002 study for the State of Alaska found that, during 2000, just over 6,000 people in Alaska received substance abuse treatment - but almost 39,000 Alaskans actually needed treatment, and

Whereas, "Reforming Mandated Treatment" is a comprehensive substance abuse initiative developed by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, the Advisory Board on

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Alaska Native Health Board, the Alaska Mental Health Board, the Substance Abuse Directors Association, and the Alaska Federation of Natives, in conjunction with the State Departments of Health and Social Services and Corrections, and

Whereas, money for the initiative is already available because the 22^nd Alaska Legislature committed resources to address substance abuse when it approved the Dime-a-Drink alcohol tax increase in 2002 and simultaneously created the Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Prevention Fund, and

Whereas, "Reforming Mandated Treatment" focuses on treatment, intervention, and prevention and is designed to save lives now and save money in the long run by reducing State and community costs for substance abuse problems in Alaska,

Now, therefore, be it resolved that: Alaska Christian Conference supports "Reforming Mandated Treatment" in Alaska and urges State policymakers, including the administration and the Legislature, to work together to fund this important initiative, and help Alaskans reach our shared goal of safe communities, strong families, and healthy children.

_________________________, _______________ on February 20, 2003

Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald               President

 

_________________________, _______________ on February 20, 2003

Phyllis Sullivan                                  Secretary