Governor Ryan Announces a $3.9 Million Plan to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Services for Men

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced $3.9 million to expand substance abuse treatment services for men who suffer from addiction, but lack the resources to pay for services. The male/family reunification initiative, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, is part of the Governor's plan for health care and substance abuse services.

"Alcohol and drug addiction are diseases that can destroy individuals and families," Governor Ryan said. "We've identified several key areas of need and provided DHS with funding to fill in the gaps in services and help many Illinoisans get started on the road to recovery."

The male/family reunification initiative will use these funds to increase the service capacity for men at 28 community-based agencies statewide. Adult males represent the largest percentage of the addicted population in the state; however, men often must wait for treatment services because they don't fall into current federal and state priority populations.

"These men represent a foundation for economic and social support for themselves, their children and their families. That foundation is at risk when their addiction goes untreated," said DHS Secretary Linda Reneé Baker. "This initiative will make a difference for many Illinois families who suffer as a result of substance abuse addiction."

Under the initiative, staff at funded sites will receive specialized training relative to domestic violence, parenting skills, job readiness and job development. The training will also cover other services crucial to ensuring that program participants become productive citizens who are not only self-supporting, but also participate in or become responsible for the support of their families. Where possible, family reunification will be an end-goal of the project. Agencies receiving funding under the initiative are required either to provide an array of such services, or provide access to them through referral.

The following areas received funding under the initiative: