By Terry James
BLOOMINGTON – $82,000 could be cut from the McLean County Drug Court program.
The recommendation will be discussed by the McLean County Health Committee at a special meeting Tuesday morning. McLean County Health Department Director Walt Howe says drug court was being given more money than it needs to operate.
“We truly believe that the same amount of treatment services can be provided and still get expanded mental health services out in the community,” said Howe.
Howe said Medicaid can help make up the difference and the $82,000 can be used for The Baby Fold and a housing program for women who have been incarcerated.
McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says he will fight any cuts to the drug court program.
“It’s not just helping people it’s helping jail population,” said Sandage. “There’s a lot of things that is helps. It prevents recidivism among people that are involved in the drug court program.”
Drug court requires users to submit to drug tests, find a job, and learn skills to keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Terry James can be reached at terry@wjbc.com.
