Pubdate: Thu, 19 Oct 2000
Source: Longview News-Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2000sCox Interactive Media
Contact:  P.O. Box 1792, Longview, TX 75605
Fax: 903.757.3742
Website: http://www.news-journal.com/index.html
Author: Mike Roark

CITY PICKS UP $800,000 FOR DRUG ABUSERS

The city of Longview has received an $800,000 grant from the Center For Substance Abuse Treatment to expand a residential treatment program for pregnant women and mothers.

The grant was awarded to Partners in Prevention, a division of the city's Community Services Department, to enhance treatment for women with drug problems by providing longer stays in treatment programs. The grant also goes for other related programs such as employment assistance.

Dietrich Johnson, Partners in Prevention's project manager, said the city received the grant because his organization works in harmony with several other agencies that serve the needs of the community to form "one whole family."

"This is the first time all of these various agencies have come together," Johnson said.

The city will use the money to allow women with drug problems who are pregnant or have had babies to take part in a residential treatment program such as the one operated by the Sabine Valley Center, Johnson said.

The money will allow the women to stay in treatment longer and will provide assistance in areas such as employment and helping families deal with issues associated with drug problems.

Johnson pointed to the fact that nationally each year, of about 4 million pregnant women, 757,000 drink alcohol and 221,000 admit to using illicit drugs. Another 820,000 women say they smoke tobacco.

"The $800,000 is not used by just the residential program," Johnson said. "It is used for multifaceted programs that extend the time people have in the residential treatment center. It helps people be successful."

A part of the money will enable children to be involved in such city programs as Camp Harvey in the summer and be able to work with a mentor, who can play a positive role.

Other parts of the grant will be used in programs presented by agencies such as the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse that are designed to strengthen the family, Johnson said.

He said the concept of many agencies working together on the community's needs is not just working smarter; it is more practical.

Johnson said the concept works well and proof is in the city's award being one of the biggest in the country.

When rating the grant applicant, a score of 100 for the best award and 500 for the lowest award is tabulated by the agency presenting the grant, Johnson said. For this grant, Partners in Prevention was given a score in the low 120s.

Johnson credited that to the fact that many agencies in Longview and Gregg County are working together on the problems facing the community.
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