From Anchorage Daily News Published: September 9, 2007
Stagnant funding doomed a clinic that was serving its purpose
The theme for recovery month (September), "Saving Dollars, Saving Lives," hits close to home. The loss of The Salvation Army Clitheroe Center's eight-bed detox unit leaves many at risk, and I want to respond to the editorial about the closure ("Detox," Aug. 27).
While a shortage of nursing staff led to the closure, lack of funding to pay competitive wages more accurately describes the problem. Since 1993 funding has been stagnant, despite increased costs to provide these specialized services. With salaries 21 percent to 44 percent below the prevailing wage for nurses, Clitheroe couldn't fill its vacant positions.
A quote in the editorial indicated if one facility could provide different levels of care, "you're better able to match the money to the actual need." Clitheroe -- Alaska's largest substance abuse treatment provider -- is that type of facility. Residential programs include short-term, long-term, and dual diagnosis programs. Outpatient services are provided to individuals and families. Detox offered three levels of care.
Often portrayed as a revolving door for chronic abusers, statistics show that 81.7 percent of the 876 people were admitted to detox only one time last year. Treatment works and detox is a critical entry point for individuals seeking help.
Clitheroe is not willing to gamble with the safety of individuals in our care. Without adequate funding for treatment, Alaskans will suffer.
---- Anne Dennis-Choi, executive director
The Salvation Army Clitheroe Center