Governor Kasich Requests $20 Million for Drug Treatment Research

Zanesville, Ohio – Governor John Kasich has asked for $20 million to go towards drug treatment research.

On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, Governor Kasich announced his plans to have $20 million taken from the Third Frontier Commission Bond Fund and used for drug treatment research.

C.E.O. of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel said what Kasich is doing is both good and bad. It’s good because we need more research and better ways of addressing addiction. However, Carrel thinks the money should be used differently.

“In light of eight Ohioans dying every day from opioid or heroin overdose,” Carrel said. “I think $20 million should go into taking care of those people who are in need of treatment, who are on waiting lists, who are trying to get into treatment and want to get into treatment. To keep them from dying.”

Carrel see’s how the money can help in the future with addiction, but he wants to see the people struggling with addiction now to get help as well.

“I think it’s admirable of our governor to include the $20 million for research. I think the treatment community could use $20 million in ways to better outreach, better support, and better ways of helping people not only get into recovery but maintain their recovery.

Carrel said there is still a long way to go with the budget proposal. The House of Representatives and the Senate will both need to agree on an actual budget.