 |
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger Walker outlined Gov. Rod Blagojevich's new methamphetamine prison and re-entry program during a community outreach meeting Monday at City Hall, saying the DOC needs to take the lead in the fight against meth. Walker and Adams County Sheriff Brent Fischer organized the meeting with local community leaders, law enforcement and legal system officials and treatment experts. Several recovering addicts also gave powerful testimony about the need for meth and substance abuse treatment programs. The governor announced during last week's State of the State address a need to treat men incarcerated for meth-related crimes. Blagojevich proposes creating 200-bed meth units at the Southwestern Illinois Correctional Facility in East St. Louis and at the Sheridan Correctional Center in LaSalle County. According to Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger Walker:
"We have to take the lead in this," Walker said.
"Meth has a devastating affect on all parts of the Illinois Adams County State's Attorney Jon Barnard said 90 percent of all crimes charged through his office are directly or indirectly the result of drugs, and 70 percent of all drug crimes involve meth. "If we ignore the treatment aspect, we are just kidding ourselves," Barnard said. "What we see is that when offenders get out and don't get treatment, they reoffend with breathtaking speed." Methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug, is made locally with ingredients such as lithium batteries, anhydrous ammonia and powerful household cleaners. Watson said 69 percent of all Illinois DOC inmates are imprisoned for drug-related crimes, and it takes $21,000 a year to house an inmate. The meth units would include intensive in-prison treatment, education and lifeskills training. When released, offenders would be supervised in their communities in a re-entry program. Ron Howell of Recovery Resources and Steve Evans with Hopewell Clinic both support the idea and said collaboration is a crucial element in successful meth treatment and recovery programs. Theodora Binion-Taylor, director of the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse with the Department of Human Services, said treatment is key. "Some say treatment doesn't work, but science and research tells us otherwise," she said. Several former meth users spoke at the meeting and said they received drugs while in prison. Harold Hills urged Walker to make sure the program included aftercare, not just treatment in prison. Ricky Earnst said he was an addict and continued to get drugs while incarcerated until finally getting into a rehab program. He asked if programs would be available for younger people. State Sen. John Sullivan commended Watson and the people who spoke at the meeting. He said he believes his fellow legislators will support the funding if they hear from people affected by the drug. "Look at some of the comments made today. That helps justify what we are trying to do," Sullivan said. "For every $1 in treatment, $7 goes back to society. Sometimes the adage is, you have to spend money to save money. "We're treating it on the front end, trying restrict the ingredients and increase the penalties. We've done all that, but we haven't actually helped the person that is already addicted." Contact Staff Writer Rodney Hart or (217) 221-3370 |
|
We are careful not to duplicate the efforts of other organizations, and as a grassroots coalition of prisoners and social reformers, our resources (time and money) are limited. The vast expertise and scope of the various drug reform organizations will enable you to stay informed on the ever-changing, many-faceted aspects of the movement. Our colleagues in reform also give the latest drug war news. Please check their websites often. |
|
|
 |
