Pubdate: Wed, 02 Feb 2000 Source: Blue Springs Examiner (MO) Copyright: 2000 Blue Springs Examiner Contact: P.O. Box 1057, Blue Springs, MO 60413 Website: http://examiner.net/ Author: Eric Cramer, The Examiner COUNTY FUNDS LACKING FOR ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS There is a critical shortage of funding to help those with drug problems in Eastern Jackson County, according to information given to the anti-drug committee of the Jackson County Legislature Monday. William Kyles, director of Comprehensive Mental Health and Renaissance West, said there are only four detoxification beds located in Eastern Jackson County. "We do what we can to help with Renaissance West, which is really designed to help people in Kansas City, but it makes it difficult for someone who lives in Grain Valley or Oak Grove or Buckner. They have to leave their surroundings, friends and families to get the help they need," Kyles said. Kyles comments came during a discussion of the county's funding for Comprehensive Mental Health and Renaissance West. He told the Legislature that the county's portion of funding for these programs has fallen steadily in the past two years. Ron Finley, D-Kansas City, asked if it was true that funding for Kyles' program had fallen $111,000 over two years. Dan Tarwater, D-Kansas City, explained that funding for the anti-drug and detoxification programs peaked two years ago as a result of a budget surplus. "It makes the funding now look like a cut, but it resulted from addition to the budget in times of surplus," Tarwater said. Jim Nunnelly, of the Community Backed Anti-drug Tax (COMBAT) commission, said the surplus came in the 1996 county budget, but went into funding in the 1998 fiscal year. "If we're cutting the services, do we have a way of tracking the people to find out where they're going?" Finley asked. "What happens is, they go without services," Kyles said. Nunnelly said four studies are under way to determine the effectiveness of drug treatment in Jackson County. "When those are complete we'll be able to give you a better idea of what's actually happening," he told the committee. After hearing comments similar to Kyles' from Susan Wilkins of the Swope Parkway Behavioral Health Center, the committee voted to hold action on drug treatment funding until its next meeting in order to gather more information. In other business Monday, the Legislature: * Passed a resolution authorizing the county executive to complete a contract for Truman Medical Center Behavioral Health services, funding additional substance abuse treatment with $281,200. [snip] - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D