Tackling addiction on a national level is certainly no easy task. And if you were to quantify it (tallying up resources and expenses), there is no doubt that you would be faced with a hefty price tag. But how much would it realistically cost to make a difference? According to Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, roughly $100 billion.
Klobuchar has already gained a reputation as a major recovery advocate within the Senate. She has openly spoken about her father’s crippling alcoholism and regularly talks with the press about America’s opioid crisis.
This past week, however, Klobuchar tried to offer tangible solutions for the growing dependency cases across the U.S. Her $100 billion plan would address addiction, as well as mental health care and it’s something she hopes could take her straight to the White House.
Klobuchar has made no secret about her 2020 presidential ambitions and hopes that these bold proposals can capture the country’s attention.
So how does the plan work? According to Klobuchar, the $100 billion would be divided into three segments.
Segment one would be focused on Prevention and collecting funds for mental health programs at schools. It would also be used to train doctors, so they could better recognize the early warning signs of addiction. This phase would add in requirements at the prescription level as well, in the hopes of curbing unnecessary painkiller dispersement.
Segment two puts the emphasis on Treatment and the funding for more addiction and mental health programs. Klobuchar’s hope is that part of the $100 billion would cover more hospital beds in community clinics and additional staffing for psychiatrists and recovery counselors.
The final segment is listed as Ongoing Recovery and would include job training assistance for alumni, transitional housing and available aftercare social services. It would also potentially build treatment programs for those arrested for nonviolent drug offenses. Klobucher emphasized specialized programs as well, which would focu on minorities, veterans and the L.G.B.T.Q. community.
After sharing her plan with the press, Senator Klobucher released a statement; emphasizing why these issues are so important to the country’s future.
“The one thing I hear over and over again across the country is people’s stories of battling with mental health and addiction,” she explained. “People need help, but they just can’t get it. I believe everyone should have the same opportunity my dad had to be pursued by grace and get the treatment and help they need.”
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