[audio:http://www.wdde.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/landgraffseg.mp3|titles= Delaware Public Media's James Dawson interviews DHSS sec. Rita Landgraf.]
State officials are hoping to continue growing their substance abuse treatment programs.
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) officials outlined plans to use $3.6 million to expand services downstate and increase capacity for residential programs.
Specifically, some of the money will be used to expand detoxification programs beyond New Castle County and bolster younger addiction services.
Substance abuse treatment in Delaware has recently been one of Gov. Jack Markell’s top priorities, especially as it relates to heroin.
State officials say they see 16 heroin overdose deaths each month, which is more than vehicle related deaths throughout the state.
And DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf notes the overall societal cost of addicts. Landgraf says about 60 percent of those in Delaware prisons have had addiction problems, at great cost to the state and its residents.
“It’s almost like a shifting that’s occurring, high volumes of individuals that are being impacted. Addiction not only impacts the individual who is challenged by this disease, but it has a rippling effect across communities,” said Landgraf.
In discussing the overall DHSS budget ask, Landgraf notes that growth in Medicaid has slowed, but still totals nearly $10 million more than FY15.
The agency’s entire proposed budget comes in at $1.1 billion, growing 1.9 percent.
