Lee County Commissioners,
I understand that on Monday afternoon, March 12th, the Commission will
consider SWFAS request for capital funding ($2 million) to support their
expanded Detoxification and Outpatient facility. I urge you to vote in
favor of this request.
I m sure you all read the News-Press feature series on Feb. 25th & 26th,
highlighting the dire problems of drug and alcohol addiction in our community,
with headlines reading "Southwest Florida gets little funding; treatment
resources limited", and "money, education needed". (see www.news-press.com for
excellent in-depth reporting). Addiction is a disease that can be treated
if people can get help, as highlighted in the series personal stories of
individuals in our own community from all walks of life that have struggled with
addiction and found recovery. Your vote on Monday is the first test of
whether our elected officials are serious about addressing this critical need in
our community.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva has partnered with SWFAS for the past 6
years, and we have seen first-hand its effectiveness in assisting addicts to
become productive citizens. The community is lucky to have such a
dedicated and talented leadership team at SWFAS. Their passion,
commitment, and determination have inspired us to want to assist them in every
way we can. However, major resource investments by our government
are needed so that SWFAS and other service providers can meet the growing
need.
When Kevin Lewis, the Executive Director of SWFAS, spoke to our Club last
Fall, he shared with us their campaign to build a new detoxification
center. We were impressed by his presentation, including the video, about
the need for the center, and were appreciative of the various officials,
including Commissioner Bob Janes, that participated in asking the community to
support this fundraising effort. At the same time, we were distressed that
a social service agency was being asked to mount a private fundraising campaign
to raise funds for vital community services that are a governmental
responsibility.
On the same day that the SWFAS Director spoke to us, the News-Press headlines
read: "How much for growth? Lee officials struggle to fit resources to
needs." The story focused on the new $53 million jail that will be almost
full when it opens, meaning there is no room for growth to meet projected
populations increases in the county. Instead of beginning plans for yet
another jail to meet this future projected demand, I would encourage you to look
into ways to reduce the need for jail beds by finding alternatives to
incarceration, where appropriate. As Sheriff Scott said on the SWFAS
video, his deputies are putting drunks and substance abuse arrestees in juvenile
detention centers and jails instead of detox and substance abuse treatment
centers because there are no beds available. Investments in addiction
treatment services is not only the best thing for the person, it will save all
of us money in reduced jail costs, reduced emergency room visits, and reduced
crime.
I applaud the Commission for its past strong support of SWFAS and the
essential substance abuse treatment and prevention services it provides to our
community. Please continue your support by voting in favor of SWFAS $2
million request for the expanded Detox Center.
Darla Letourneau
