Former U.S. Drug Czar/4-Star Gen. McCaffrey, Physicians, Patients to Oppose Eliminating State Drug-Treatment Funding

WED. MAY 26 10:30 AM NEWS CONF in State Capitol, Rm 317

Would Cost State $61 Million in Federal Funds to Save $54 Million;

Cost State Up to $700 Million for Jails, Emergency Room Visits, Foster Care, Courts

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Physicians who treat 35,000 drug-addicted Californians and Four-Star General and former U.S. National Drug Policy Director Barry McCaffrey today announced a news conference to oppose the governor's proposal to eliminate state funding for drug treatment because it would cost much more than it saves, including foregoing $61 million in federal funds.

McCaffrey, who will speak at the event, said: "35,000-40,000 people will immediately have to go to hospital emergency rooms if drug treatment is closed down, or they may go to jail.  It would be catastrophic to their lives, families, school, and jobs – and would cost the taxpayers far more than continuing treatment programs. It especially makes no sense as the state would give up the matching funds from the federal government -- more than the $54 million the state now covers. This makes no fiscal, social or health policy sense."  

WHAT: Announce opposition to governor's proposal to eliminate state funding for drug treatment

WHO: Dr. Jack McCarthy; Four-Star General and former U.S. National Drug Policy Director Barry McCaffrey; Patients, including war veterans who depend upon drug treatment

WHEN: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 10:30 AM

WHERE: State Capitol, Room 317

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates and BR McCaffrey Associates LLC

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