"Thanks to the emergence of outstanding legislative leadership, we now have the first new funding in this area in almost 10 years," said Ken Libertoff, director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health (VAMH).

New and existing recovery centers, expanded outpatient treatment, a second methadone clinic, aftercare services, a new residential and transition halfway house, and a new drug court are among the programs that will receive support. Also, 10 new student assistance counselors will be hired to work in public schools across Vermont.

"This funding will allow us to build a system for prevention, treatment, and recovery, building cohesion among a patchwork of services," said Libertoff.

Libertoff credits the chairs of Vermont's House and Senate health and welfare committees as the key players behind the increased funding. "Rep. Tom Koch and Sen. Jim Leddy played significant roles in helping to establish a key sense of need," he said. "They assumed real leadership roles in the legislature that had been lacking for some time."

A coalition of groups concerned with prevention, treatment, and recovery, led by VAMH, also played an important role. The coalition started almost three years ago to become much more engaged in advocating for public policy. VAMH is also no stranger to policy and advocacy; the group's interest in substance use is a direct outgrowth of its success securing comprehensive parity for mental health and substance use disorders in 1997.

Finally, Vermont's new governor, Jim Douglas, articulated a willingness to listen to the problems and come up with solutions -- although, Libertoff said, the legislation went far beyond his original proposal.

"This funding would not be possible without the commitment from the legislature," said Libertoff. "We are extremely gratified, while recognizing that Vermont has a long way to go to build a continuum of care."

For more information contact the VAMH: VAMH1@aol.com