Eight of our residents have died in the parks and on the streets of our largest community. Do we need any more evidence that out-of-control substance-abuse addictions are literally killing our state? This is a quiet crisis no longer.
I represent neighborhoods here in Anchorage that are under siege, negatively impacted by the effects of public inebriation and drug addiction. My neighbors have seen it all -- urination, defecation and fornication on their lawns. In addition to the diminished quality of life in our neighborhoods and the frequent tragedies of disease and death, there is a large cost to the local taxpayer, estimated at $4 million annually. That is the cost of the revolving door currently in place for approximately 100 severely addicted chronic inebriates. Many of these fellow residents, in the grip of disease and out-of-control addictions, are clearly a danger to themselves and, in some cases, a danger to others.
There must be a better way to approach this problem. I believe our city government leaders would be justified in declaring this situation a public health emergency. This direct response might finally generate the sustained attention and redeployment of resources required.
Most Alaskans know of our state's alarming rate of substance abuse, which is roughly twice the national average. What they may not know is that a consensus is emerging on how to deliver treatment services to chronic inebriates in a more targeted, cost-effective manner that will save lives and money in the long run. This would allow substance-abuse services to be directed toward the most at-risk members of society and those who, with treatment, would save the most in terms of money and human suffering.
To that end, the state of Alaska and the Salvation Army are collaborating on an innovative pilot project to bring 10 detox and secure treatment beds to the Clitheroe Center at Point Woronzof. These spots will be for the most out-of-control addicts that a judge rules as dangerous under Title 47 of Alaska statute.
I am also encouraged by the efforts of the Rasmuson Foundation to bring a diverse group of interests together to explore fresh approaches to addiction in Alaska. I strongly believe we must rebuild proven treatment programs at the community level and especially in our corrections system. This winter, the University of Alaska Anchorage released a comprehensive study of Alaska's prisons. One of the findings of the study, commissioned by Sen. Hollis French and the Senate Judiciary Committee, is that 96 percent of Alaska's prison population suffers from substance abuse, mental-health disorders or both.
These are startling numbers, and steps are being taken to treat this "captive audience" before they are released back into society. As the budget chairman for the Department of Corrections, I fully funded the second of a three-year ramp-up of treatment programs in prisons and coordinated after-care services. Almost all of this population will re-enter society. Better they leave treated than untreated.
During the next legislative session, I will ask my colleagues to appropriate the full share of alcohol tax revenues that flow to the state general fund to substance-abuse prevention and treatment programs that work. Of the more than $38 million in alcohol taxes collected in 2008, only half was deposited into the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Treatment and Prevention Fund, and half was deposited into the general fund. If we muster the political will, all monies from alcohol taxes can be appropriated for innovative substance abuse programs around the state. Real progress against substance abuse will require local and state leadership but the most important factor will be sustained public support.
It is easy to express concern about substance abuse and to lament the toll it takes on our society. Concern is meaningless, however, if not followed by action from those with the power to implement significant long-term solutions. The onus is on all of us to work for real change. Not doing so ensures the cycle of human tragedy will continue.
Sen. Johnny Ellis is the majority leader of the Alaska Senate and represents Downtown and Midtown Anchorage.
By SEN. JOHNNY ELLIS