MARION, IL (KFVS)-the Governor of Illinois wants to cut all public funds for alcohol and drug treatment programs.
It's a move that could leave more than 55,000 people battling addictions with no where to go for help.
"It would end up being just a Medicaid funded programme only system," said Wendy Bailie Director of adult behavioral health care on the H-group in Marion.
"So 85 percent of the people we offer treatment for would receive no treatment. That translates into approximately 700 customers. It would also mean that we will layoff 20-30 people would need. "
But, Bailie points from the proposed cuts could end up costing Marion and other communities across the State much more.
"For example, increased emergency room visits, increased crime and child abuse. There is a variety of social costs that we can avoid. It is much more cost effective to treatment offer. "
The cuts would also pull the plug on all prevention programmes for youth groups across the State.
"Save you seven to eighteen dollars for every dollar you spend on treatment and prevention. So you're going to pay later, "said Bailie.
"The average cost of the treatment for an individual is under the 4-thousand dollars a year, the cost 22-thousand dollar plus for them shut up. So it is the virtual ' penny wise pound foolish ' approach to cut everything. "
The H-group has already put all employees are working in the addiction treatment programs on notice that their jobs are at risk.
The cuts proposed by Governor Pat Quinn would enter into force on 15 March.
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