Missouri Recovery Network
428 East Capitol, Second Floor Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-635-6669
www.morecovery.org
CAPITOL REPORT #12
December 18, 2006
 Amendment 3 A Big Disappointment – Post-Mortems Revisited ………….………...... 1
 Little Change in Balance of Power in Missouri …………………………………….……. 3
 Freshman Legislators to be Sworn in on January 3, 2007 ………………………………. 4
 Governor to Unveil His Budget Proposals on January 24, 2007 ……..………..…. .….... 6
 Jane Drummond New Director of DHSS; New DMH Director Soon ………..….....….... 6
 McCaskill Joins Incumbents in Missouri Congressional Delegation ……….……...….... 7
 Sales Tax for Children’s Services Approved by Lincoln County Voters …….……........ 7
 Principles to Guide Medicaid and Health Care Reform ……….……………..…..….….. 8
 MRN Training on Stigma Reduction Well Received ………………………………….…. 9
 No Excise Tax Increase But Prices Rise Anyway ………………………………..…...…. 10
 Anheuser-Busch Funds Community Health & Wellness Efforts ……………………… 10
 Quotable Quotes ………………………………………………………………….…..…… 10
 Community Coalition Awarded Prevention Contracts …. …………………….….…… 12
 Illinois Oxford Houses Featured in Study of Recovery …..……………..…..…...….…. 13
 Research Report on “Quality of Life” for People in Recovery .………………...…..….. 13
 Faces & Voices of Recovery Launches Membership Campaign ……………….……… 14
 Berhorst Receives “Professional of the Year” Award ….……….………………....…… 14
Amendment 3 A Big Disappointment– Post-Mortems Revisited
For the second time in four years, Missouri voters rejected, by a narrow margin, a proposal
to increase the state’s excise tax rates on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Constitutional
Amendment 3 would have made an estimated $351 million dollars available annually to provide
health care funding and to implement a comprehensive tobacco control and prevention program,
as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The results were even more
disappointing to advocates than the results in the 2002 election (Proposition A), particularly
those who had volunteered time and other resources to the effort, and who believed that the
preparations, and the proposal itself, were stronger this time around. It was also instructive to
advocates for increased alcohol excise tax revenue to support prevention and treatment services.
Those who followed the election results as they were reported on the evening of the
November 7 General Election noticed that the vote totals were remarkably consistent over time.
With only 3 precincts reporting, the percentage voting “yes” stood at 47%. With 250 precincts
voting, the percentage had dipped to 45%. It climbed to 48% with 400 precincts reporting and
then remained at 46-47 % with more than 2600 precincts reporting. The official final tally of all
3734 precincts, as certified by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, compared with the results in
2002, are as follows:
Proposal
Amendment 3 (2006)
Proposition A (2002)
Yes
1,029,027 (48.6%)
880,048 (49.1%)
No
1,089,701 (51.4%)
911,001 (50.8%)
Total
2,118,728
1,791,049
In 2002, the “yes” votes exceeded the “no” votes in eleven counties. In 2006, that number
was reduced to nine, with Adair and Taney counties dropping off the list. Counties which gave
Amendment 3 a majority of favorable votes:
County
Boone
Clay
Greene
Jackson
Kansas City
Platte
St. Charles
St. Louis City
St. Louis County
Yes
30,492 (53.0 %)
40,164 (53.4 %)
52,871 (52.2 %)
71,271 (53.3 %)
53,049 (55.7 %)
18,094 (54.7 %)
68,687 (51.4 %)
50,110 (53.8 %)
232,754 (56.6 %)
27,046
34,951
48,345
62,326
42,117
14,959
64,990
43,093
178,243
No
(47.0 %)
(46.6 %)
(47.8 %)
(46.7 %)
(44.3 %)
(45.3 %)
(48.6 %)
(46.2 %)
(43.4 %)
Since November 8, many individuals and groups have engaged in informal “post-mortems”
(after-the-fact discussions and analysis). What were the factors which contributed to the defeat
of Amendment 3? What lessons have been learned? The Partnership on Smoking or Health
conducted its post-mortem on November 15. It was generally agreed that there was no single
“reason,” or even a small cluster, could be identified. What follows is a list of suggested factors,
including those voiced at the Partnership meeting, as well as in other venues, in random order:
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Public cynicism and distrust of government generally.
Public cynicism and distrust of government use/misuse of earmarked revenue.
Legislators’ failure to use any of hundreds of millions of Master (Tobacco) Settlement
Agreement dollars for tobacco-related purposes.
General anti-tax sentiment, regardless of the type of tax (a tax is a tax is a tax).
Spillover effect of opposition to Amendment 2, the stem cell initiative, including concerns
expressed by pro-life voters, i.e. the feared use of healthcare dollars for abortion services.
Reaction to the “470% increase,” which seemed excessive to voters (despite the pennies-percigarette response) -- Missourians are suspicious of what they believe to be excess.
Large-scale amendment of the Missouri Constitution (rather than statute) appeared to be
over-reaching.
Effective debating by key spokesmen for the opposition.
Opposing editorials in several major newspapers.
Reaction to the complexity of the proposal and the length of the complete text.
The late start of the campaign by proponents due to the fact that legal challenges to the
petition signatures weren’t resolved until the first week of October.
Voter uncertainty about long-term effects on additional spending needed for the healthcare
provisions, i.e. the “unfunded mandate” argument.
A strong “personal responsibility” ethic which is suspicious of “social engineering.”
Lack of public concern about the current low excise tax rates in comparison with other states.
Voter apathy with regard to the economic agenda of the opponents, especially Big Tobacco.
A sense that this was ganging up on a vulnerable industry, i.e. the “slippery slope” argument.
2
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A sense that people who are addicted to tobacco will find ways to continue their consumption
Lack of voter understanding about the need for money to fund a comprehensive approach to
tobacco control, i.e. over-reliance on education and cessation programs by proponents
About a week before the election, the Associated Press reported on forecasts of a “budget
surplus” by House Speaker Rod Jetton (see comments about the surplus below). The forecast
had been requested by Ron Leone, the executive director of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers
and Convenience Store Association, one of the leading spokesmen for the opposition to
Amendment 3. Jetton was quoted saying: “That could easily put us in a situation to have a $300
to $500 million surplus,” as lawmakers prepare a budget for the fiscal year starting next July.
The AP story reports that “Leone said he had requested the budget projection to show that the
state could use existing money, instead of new taxes, to fund some of the programs proposed in
the ballot measure. ‘There’s obviously plenty of money in the surplus to do a first-class
tobacco cessation program, with plenty of money left over for the other priorities of the
budget planners,’ Leone said.”
According to the AP report, Gov. Blunt’s budget director said that he could “neither confirm
nor dispute Jetton’s projections, because the office had not completed its review.” Also, “Senate
Appropriations Committee Chairman Chuck Gross, R-St. Charles, shied away from the term
‘surplus.’ He said it’s too early to know how much discretionary money the state might
have when preparing the upcoming budget. A good portion of what may appear to be extra
money may have to go toward increased costs for things such as prisons, schools, or the
Medicaid health care program for the poor, he said.”
Leone was also quoted in an October 15 Springfield News-Leader editorial on the tobacco
proposal. The editorial notes that his group had been “willing to compromise on an increased tax
as long as the money raised goes specifically to tobacco-related health problems. ‘I offered a
100 percent tax increase,’ says ….. Ron Leone. ‘I didn’t even get a response.’ The unwillingness of the health care community to compromise with the business community is why
Amendment 3 has ended up on the ballot instead of in the legislature where it belongs.”
In defeating Amendment 3, Missouri voters bucked a national trend. Voters in Arizona
approved an increase from $1.18 per pack to $1.98 per pack, and South Dakota will increase its
rates from $0.53 per pack to $1.53 per pack. California voters rejected an increase, but that
proposal would have raised the rate from $0.87 per pack to $3.47 per pack. Missouri’s rate
remains at $0.17 per pack, second-lowest in the nation.
Consensus among members of the Partnership on Smoking or Health was that it was too
early to think about planning another appeal to the public via an initiative petition campaign, but
that advocates should begin to think about legislation which would fund some tobacco
prevention and cessation efforts, if not the kind of comprehensive approach recommended by the
experts. Last year Governor Blunt proposed a $1 million budget item for that purpose, which
was rejected by the legislature. It has been reported that the MO Department of Health and
Senior Services will include $1 million in its requests for FY’08 appropriations.
Little Change in Balance of Power in Missouri
As usual, the vast majority of incumbents prevailed in the November 7 election. Missouri
Democrats picked up two seats in the Senate and 5 seats in the House of Representatives in the
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November election. Democrat Ryan McKenna defeated incumbent Republican Senator Bill
Alter by a wide margin in District 22. Democrat Wes Shoemyer defeated Republican Bob
Behnen in an open seat created by the term-limited Senator John Cauthorn in District 18. Both
Shoemyer and Behnen have served as State Representatives. The GOP will still have a 21-13
edge in the State Senate and a 92-71 edge in the Missouri House of Representatives.
In the House, incumbents Rex Rector (R-Harrisonville) and Kathy Chinn (R-Clarence) lost in
close races. Republican Rick Stream of Kirkwood defeated first-term House Democrat Jane
Bogetto by 464 votes out of the 17,278 cast in the 94th District. Republican challenger Don
Ruzicka defeated incumbent Democrat Charles Dake in the 132nd District.
Members of both parties caucused within days of the election. Formal election of leadership
positions will be among the first items on the order of business on January 3. Then come the
important decisions about chairmanships of the standing committees.
Freshman Legislators to be Sworn in on January 3, 2007
Twenty-eight newly-elected House Members and five new members of the State Senate will
be sworn in and take their seats on the first day of the 2007 legislative session. What do we
know about them? If you are acquainted with the information provided by the candidates (and
hopefully voted) in the November General Election, you may know their positions on issues
dealing with alcohol and other drugs If not, it would be a good idea to make contact with them,
introduce yourself, and share your concerns. A congratulatory note to them, as well as to the
incumbents who were re-elected, is always a good idea for advocates.
Please note that we’re talking about civic duty and responsibility. This is NOT lobbying.
There are no legal restrictions on that kind of activity, even if you are a recipient of state or
federal funds. Unfortunately, too many advocates wait until they have a specific request, about a
specific piece of legislation, when it does become lobbying. We can hardly fault our elected
officials for being less responsive than we’d like if they have had no previous contact with us
and do not recognize our names or our affiliations. They want to know what resources are
available in their districts, and you can become an important source of information and education
for them. If we don’t tell them about the needs that exist, who will?
New legislators began “freshmen orientation” on November 27 and will be completing it on
December 17. This typically involves briefings by legislative and department officials as well as
visits to state-operated facilities. Due to term limits, the rapid turnover of lawmakers, and the
absence of colleagues who have many years of experience, members of House and Senate need
to “hit the ground running,” which means absorbing a great deal of information in a short period
of time (it also means opportunities for advocates to participate in that education). Other
activities underway include preparation of office space, which means shuffling of office
locations. Not an easy task, considering legislators’ wishes, seniority status, etc. Visitors to the
Capitol may find their legislators at difference locations than they were last year. A final roster,
with office and telephone numbers and names of support staff may not be available until January.
Biographical, other background information and photos are also being compiled, and some of
it is has been posted at http://www.house.state.mo.us/bills071/member/mem002.htm. Current
information for most of the “freshmen” may still be available at their campaign websites:
4
MISSOURI HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES
CLASS OF 2007
HOUSE MEMBERS
McClanahan, Rebecca
Thomson, Mike
Shively, Tom
Quinn, Paul
Schieffer, Ed
Funderburk, Doug
Onder, Bob
Grill, Jason
Talboy, Mike
Curls, Shalonn (Kiki)
Holsman, Jason
Grisamore, Jeff
El-Amin, Talibdin
Nasheed, Jamilah
Zimmerman, Jake
Jones, Timothy
Komo, Sam
Stream, Rick
Fallert, Joseph Jr.
Cox, Stanley
Scavuzzo, Luke
Ruzicka, Don
Norr, Charlie
Schoeller, Shane
Brandom, Ellen
Hodges, Steve
Todd, Thomas
DIST.
PTY.
Website
2
4
8
9
11
12
13
32
37
41
45
47
57
60
83
89
90
94
104
118
124
132
137
139
160
161
163
D
R
D
D
D
R
R
D
D
D
D
R
D
D
D
R
D
R
D
R
D
R
D
R
R
D
D
http://www.rebeccamcclanahan.com
http://www.mikethomson.org
http://www.tomshively.com
http://www.quinnforrep.com
http://www.elected11thmorep.com
http://www.bobonder.com
http://www.grill2006.com
http://www.miketalboy.com
http://www.jrholsman.com
http://www.jeffgrisamore.com
http://www.tdelamin.com
http://www.jamilahnasheed.com
http://www.jake2006.com
http://www.rickstream.org
http://www.stancox.net
http://www.lukescavuzzo.com
http://www.donruzicka.com
http://www.charlienorr.com
http://www.electschoeller.com
http://www.ellenbrandom.com
http://stevehodges.com
MISSOURI STATE SENATE
CLASS OF 2007
Smith, Jeff*
Justus, Jolie*
Lager, Brad*
4
10
12
D
D
R
Shoemyer, Wes*
18
D
McKenna, Ryan*
22
D
http://www.jeffsmith2006.com
http://www.justusforsenate.com
http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/me
mber/mem004.htm.
http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/me
mber/mem009.htm.
http://www.mckenna2006.com
.
5
Governor to Unveil His Budget Proposals on January 24
Governor Matt Blunt has announced that he will deliver the annual State of the State address
on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 7 p.m. The event was formerly a morning affair, with
lobbyists and advocates scurrying to the office of Administration for copies of the executive
budget immediately afterward. Blunt is the first governor to deliver the address in the evening to
provide more Missourians the opportunity to listen or see the address live. The address will
include major accomplishments over the past year, his legislative goals for the 2007 legislative
session (94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session) and the Fiscal Year 2008 budget he will
submit to the Missouri General Assembly. For a timetable of action on budget bills, see MRN
Capitol Report #10, at http://www.morecovery.org/legislation.asp.
The Governor has confirmed to the media that there will indeed be a “small but real surplus”
(the first in several years) as suggested in reports of revenue projections, and that he will push for
tax cuts rather than major new spending proposals. “Between the needs of K-12 education and
higher education (and) my desire to provide tax relief to Missourians, that surplus quickly
diminishes.” Meanwhile, Democrats are focusing on the need to restore the health care cuts
made during the Governor’s tenure and to expand access to health care. Medicaid reform will be
a high priority in 2007 and is likely to figure prominently in the January 24 budget message.
Gov. Blunt has received recommendations from the various departments with a stake in
Medicaid. He told reporters on December 12 that his new plan will “focus on prevention and
provide incentives that encourage good behavior and, really, use market forces … to encourage
healthy behavior and, I think, we can do that in a way that is innovative.” (Bob Watson, Jefferson
City News-Tribune, 12-13-06; emphasis ours)
In October, Gov. Blunt announced staff changes. Chuck Pryor became Deputy Chief of Staff
for Policy and Legislation. Pryor, a former legislator, served as Blunt’s Director of Legislative
Affairs since the governor took office in January 2005. Replacing Pryor as Director of
Legislative Affairs is former State Representative Todd Smith of Sedalia. Smith served in the
House from 1984 to 1994 and from 2002 until officially resigning on October 16, 2006. He
served as Presiding Commissioner of Pettis County in between his stints in the legislature.
Republican Stanley Cox was elected by the voters of House District 118 to succeed Smith.
Jane Drummond Appointed New Director of DHSS
Search for a DMH Director Down to Four Candidates
Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Jane Drummond to succeed Julie Eckstein as the Director of
the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In a November 14 release, the
Governor says “Jane is an ideal replacement for Julie. Her legal experience and background with
the department will be instrumental as she works to protect and promote Missourians’ health, at
every stage of their lives. I have appreciated her wise counsel and am pleased that she has
agreed to continue her service to Missouri as the new health director.
Prior to her new position, Drummond was general counsel for the governor’s office. She
previously served as general counsel for DHSS. Prior to that, she was an associate attorney at
the law firm of Husch and Eppenberger in Jefferson City. Drummond holds a juris doctorate
from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in communications from
Stephens College. In an interview with Missouri Net’s Bob Priddy, she said that she had missed
6
working with DHSS. She said that she had received an early briefing on the Governor’s
Medicaid reform proposal, which will be made public soon, and that she thought that the plan
would closely follow recommendations from the legislature’s special Joint Committee on
Medicaid Reform.
Meanwhile, the search for a new director for the Department of Mental Health is entering its
final phase. The Mental Health Commission was scheduled to interview four final candidates
(one from Missouri; three from other states) at its December 14 meeting. The selection will be
announced soon thereafter. The new director will need to be confirmed by the Missouri Senate.
Three divisions within the Department of Social Services have new leadership, announced by
that agency at the end of October. Paula Neese is the director of the Children’s Services
Division. She had held the position on an interim basis for about a year. Steve Renne was
appointed interim director of the state Medicaid program, following the retirement of Dr.
Michael Ditmore. Renne has been deputy department director since 1989. Bill Heberle is new
interim director of the Division of Youth Services, replacing Paul Bolerjack.
Missouri’s Congressional Delegation Includes Junior Senator
Claire McCaskill and All Incumbent U.S. Representatives
As expected (see Capitol Report #11), the eyes of the national media were on Missouri
during the November 7 General Election, as Democrat Claire McCaskill defeated incumbent
Senator Jim Talent (49.6% to 47.3%), and the Democrats are set to take over the majority power
structures in both chambers. All nine of the incumbent U.S. Representatives won their reelection bids. Democrat Rep. Lacy Clay (Dist. 1) had the largest margin of victory, 72.9% to
Mark Byrne’s 24.7%. Closely behind was Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (Dist. 8), with 71.6% over
Democratic challenger Veronica Hambacker’s 26.4%. All results, as certified by Secretary of
State Robin Carnahan on November 29: http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/allresults.asp?eid=189.
We will provide reader of the Capitol Report with Washington DC contact information for Sen.
McCaskill as soon as it becomes available.
Sales Tax for Children’s Services
Approved by Lincoln County Voters
“Voters narrowly approved a quarter-cent sales tax expected to yield $1.1 million annually
for Lincoln County residents 19 or under. The tax passed with 51 percent of the vote. The
money will be used to develop mental health programs and drug and child abuse prevention and
treatment services. Under the new tax, a county resident buying a $20,000 car will pay $50 more
a year in taxes. Put another way, each retail purchase of $4 adds a penny of sales tax. ‘We are
very excited for the kids of the county,’ said proponent Annie Schulte. ‘There is an extremely
large void in services currently in Lincoln County. It’s not going to solve all the problems by
any means, but it is going to serve so many more children.’ The children’s services tax will be
under the oversight of the county children and families board of trustees, a 15-member panel of
volunteers. The Lincoln County Commission appoints the board’s members.” (Nancy Cambria,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 11-08-06). Ed. Note: Congratulations to the Crider Center for a
successful campaign!
7
Principles to Guide Medicaid and Health Care Reform
Capitol Report #13 will report on recent developments with regard to proposals to reform the
state’s Medicaid program, including recommendations made to Governor Blunt by the agencies
of state government. Meanwhile, the Missouri Budget Project (MBP), a non-profit, non-partisan
study group based in St. Louis, has issued a set of principles which are worth consideration by
advocates for services to people who suffer from substance abuse and addiction and other readers
of these reports.
In a November 29 “Dear Colleague” letter, MBP staffer Ruth Ehresman writes: “While we
do not know what the Governor and legislature will offer as Medicaid “reform,” we believe we
need to be prepared to offer some bottom line principles that any new reform should reflect. The
following principles were developed by the Missouri Budget Project and the Missouri
Association for Social Welfare as part of an October 2006 report on the impact of Medicaid on
Missourians. The principles will be used as part of our education and advocacy with the
Governor and General Assembly. We will list the endorsing organizations along with the
principles. We look forward to having organizations across the State endorse these principles.
By speaking as a unified voice, we are most powerful.
Principles to Guide Medicaid and Health Care Reform
The bedrock of all reform should be First Do No Harm. The responsibility for health care is a
partnership among consumers, providers, employers and the government.
Reform must build upon what works in Missouri’s publicly-funded state insurance programs
and reform what does not.
The following principles are put forth as guidelines for policy makers as they develop new,
comprehensive health insurance programs.

Focus decisions about funding health care on maximizing investments rather than cutting
costs. Tax dollars used for health care are investments in the future of all Missourians.
These are wise investments, creating both long term and short term social and health
benefits, increasing economic activity and creating jobs.

Contain costs by taking advantage of price negotiations based on economies of scale,
using advances in technology and controlling fraud at every level. Federal match of
Medicaid dollars should be maximized as well.

Support consumers in fulfilling their responsibility for making healthy life-style choices
and being well informed about health care choices. Provide access to information and
services that promote prevention, as well as a continuum of care, that extends across
geographic and demographic boundaries.

Structure consumers’ cost-sharing so it is not a barrier to receiving either preventive care
or treatment. Cost-sharing should not require consumers to make choices between health
care and other basic necessities such as food and rent. No one with an income lower than
the federal poverty level should be required to participate in cost sharing.

Maintain and build on Missouri’s strong public investment in health insurance for
children.
8

Focus reform on managing the health of consumers rather than on managing health care
services.

Fairly reimburse providers for their services. This will maintain a robust provider
network and support delivery of high quality services.

Create opportunities for employers to offer affordable insurance to their employees.
Individuals who do not have access to affordable employer- sponsored insurance should
have access to affordable public insurance.

Require employers to pay a fair share for employees’ health insurance. Any
business/enterprise that receives tax credits or tax deductions should be required to
contribute fairly to the costs of health insurance for their employees.

Ensure a strong safety net for those who fall through the cracks. Even a reformed system
will have cracks.

Evaluate the success of reform strategies in terms of financial and human impact. Use
evaluation outcomes to modify the course of reform.
Organizations are encouraged to respond by email to rehresman@mobudget.org and complete
an endorsement form. More information is available at http://www.mobudget.org/.
MRN Training on Stigma Reduction Well Received
The first in a series of regional training sessions dealing with stigma was conducted by the
Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) on December 9 in Jefferson City. A total of 44 persons
attended and gave the training high marks in their evaluations and several called afterward to
thank MRN for making this opportunity available. Among the comments made:
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This was a wonderful sharing experience.
The personal story sharing was invaluable.
I plan to be a more active advocate. Thanks for the tools.
This seminar will make me more sensitive to the obstacles and pain of others dealing with
stigma issues.
This training taught me how to advocate for clients and how to better educate the public,
media and legislators on the stigma that surrounds addiction, treatment and recovery issues.
The workshop addresses perceptions of addiction and recovery and how it has been shaped by
one’s personal environment and by the media. Special focus is on our response to stigma, how
we can confront stigma and discrimination on a daily basis, as well as on a more planned level
through public education, policy shaping efforts, and joining efforts with other advocacy groups
to make a difference. Resource materials and examples of successful events are given throughout
the presentation.
Similar events are scheduled for February 23, 2007 in Springfield and March 9, 2007 in
Kansas City. The date for the St. Louis area has not yet been determined. For further
information, see the MRN website or contact the MRN office at 573-635-6669. Copies of “The
Stigma Stops Here” brochures can be downloaded, and registration can be done online, at
http://www.morecovery.org/events.asp.
9
No Increase in Excise Tax Rates but the Brewery
Will Increase Prices Anyway
Anheuser-Busch Cos. has announced that it will increase prices of their products early in
2007. It has consistently opposed even modest increases in state beer excise tax rates, citing the
harmful effects such increases would have on “Joe and Jane Sixpack,” people of modest means
who are having a hard time making ends meet. Nevertheless, they have increased prices many,
many times since state beer excise charges where last increased in Missouri in 1970.
Speaking at a New York meeting in November, A-B vice president and chief financial officer
W. Randolph Baker said: “While volume growth for Anheuser-Busch and the industry has
slowed in the second half of the year, improving revenue per barrel and cost of goods sold results
have contributed to acceleration in domestic beer profit growth…. Enhancing volume growth
will continue to be a major focus next year and we have a number of marketing initiatives,
supported by increased marketing spending, to grow our trademark brands and increase our
participation in the high-end segment.” (Jefferson City News-Tribune, AP, 12-02-06).
Other sources have reported that A-B will once again purchase five minutes of advertising
time during the 2007 Super Bowl and related activities.
Anheuser-Busch Funds Community Health and Wellness Efforts
Through Grants to the States
Health care reform featured prominently at the 2006 meeting of the National Governors
Association (NGA), which met in Charleston, SC, in August. Some of the sessions, broadcast by
C-SPAN, emphasized system reforms that better support wellness and consumer engagement,
including publications about “everyday practices that foster healthy lifestyles.” Governor Mike
Huckaby, Republican Governor of Arkansas and NGA Chairman, applauded corporate support
for the Healthy States Grant Program by “food and beverage leaders,” including St. Louis-based
brewer Anheuser-Busch, which kicked in $75,000. The NGA Center for Best Practices website
notes that the grant program no longer includes funds from Altria/Kraft, the parent company of
cigarette maker Philip Morris (originally $250,000). The year-long initiative encourages
consumers to stop smoking, in addition to becoming more active, adopting a healthier diet,
scheduling wellness check-ups, eating more meals at home, and losing weight. There are no
references to alcohol use, misuse, abuse, or addiction in campaign materials. Missouri is not
among the 13 states who received Healthy States Grants in 2006.
Quotable Quotes
“You can run but you cannot hide from these massive statistics presented
today … we are not getting good value for that investment … (the results
present) significant missed opportunities to do better.”
-- The Commonwealth Fund’s Commission on a High Performance
Health System, which gave the United States an average of 66 our of a possible 100
on a series of health quality measures, shortcomings costing as many as 150,000 lives
and $100 billion annually. http://www.cmwf.org/Publications/publications.htm.
10
“Congress, influenced by the money of big insurance companies and huge
pharmacy companies just couldn’t figure out that it takes ‘economies of scale’
buying power to control costs for prescription medications, which increased
40% between 2000 and 2005. Maybe that’s why Congress created a Medicare
Part D drug plan that has no mechanism for negotiating with drug companies.
In fact (the plan) forbids the federal government from negotiating for lower
drug priced drugs on behalf of the tax-payers of the nation. Who do they work
for anyway?”
-- Missouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW),
10-26-06, on Wal-Mart’s $4 prescriptions
and other retailers coming on board with price reductions.
******
“If I were living in parts of the country with those sorts of life expectancies, I
would want to be asking my local officials or state officials or my congressman,
‘Why is this?’”
-- Health researcher Christopher Murray, Harvard School of Public Health
on a study which found that St. Louis City and Pemiscot County had life expectancies
among the lowest in the nation, more than six years lower than the national
average of 76.9. MO ranks 38th among the states with 75.9.
Associated Press (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 09-12-06)
******
“It’s unsustainable over time …. The fact that health care continues to do
just that suggests that inevitably there’s going to have to be a reckoning.”
William L. Bruning, President and CEO of Mid-America Coalition
on Health Care, responding to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation/
Health Research and Educational Trust, which found that health insurance
premiums have increased an average 87 % since 2000, compared with 20% in
workers’ earnings and 18% in overall inflation.. Kansas City Star, 09-27-06.
******
“Recovery became the new drug.”
-- Cable Channel VH1, part 4 of the four-hour “rock doc” series:
“The Drug Years.”, which aired on 12/07/06. Reference is to
the flurry of celebrity admissions to drug rehab and the
“popularity” of The Betty Ford Center in the 1980’s
******
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Community Coalitions Awarded Prevention Contracts
Many members of the Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) and other readers of these reports
participate in community coalitions, and those who do not are encouraged to do so by their
constituency groups. A noteworthy development is the recent award of contracts which will
constitute the first phase in implementation of the state’s new Strategic Prevention Framework.
A press release issued by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, dated November 3, 2006,
reads as follows:
The Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse has
awarded contracts to eighteen community coalitions throughout Missouri to enhance their efforts
to prevent substance abuse among young people.
In the first phase of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant, contractors
will develop a strategic plan to address prevention in their respective communities based on indepth assessments of needs, resources, and readiness. Each of the 18 awardees received amounts
ranging from $18,000 to $45,000 for this initial six-month phase. Strategic plans deemed
acceptable by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse evaluators, will receive additional
funding for full implementation of the plans for 2-1/2 years, up to $124,000 a year.
“These types of grants are critical to closing gaps that exist in prevention services on the local
level,” said Michael Couty, director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. “Once the
assessments are completed, community leaders will not only have a better idea of the types of
programming that will be most effective in their areas, but they will also have resources to help
fill those gaps.”
The state’s priority under this grant is to reduce risky drinking (binge and underage) in the
age group 12-25. The contracted coalitions all have missions solely focused on or strongly
related to substance abuse prevention. Examples of coalition members include youths, school
representatives, parents, law enforcement officials, local college and university personnel,
representatives of faith-based organizations, and local government and business owners or
employees. Names and locations of the 18 grant awardees:
Central Region
Randolph County Caring Communities, Moberly, Randolph County
Youth Community Coalition, Columbia, Boone County
Community Leaders Educating About Resistance (CLEAR), Versailles, Morgan County
Eastern Region
Windsor P.R.I.D.E., Imperial, Jefferson County
Rockwood C2000 Team, Rockwood School District, St. Louis County
Operation Weed and Seed, St. Louis City
Washington County Community 2000 Partnership, Potosi, Washington County
Northwest Region
Ray County Coalition, Lawson, Ray County
Livingston County C2000 Team, Chillicothe, Livingston County
St. Joseph Youth Alliance, St. Joseph, Buchanan County
Northland Coalition, Ray, Clay & Platte Counties
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Lee’s Summit Cares, Lee’s Summit, Jackson County
Liberty Alliance for Youth, Liberty, Clay County
Southwest Region
Underage Drinking Task Force, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield, Greene
Community Improvement Coalition, Hermitage, Hickory County
Cassville Community 2000, Cassville, Barry County
Southeast Region
Butler County Community Research Council, Poplar Bluff, Butler County
Communities Caring Council, Cape Girardeau, Cape, Scott and Perry Counties
Illinois Oxford Houses Featured in Study of Recovery
The October 2006 issue of the American Journal of Public Health (Vol. 96, No. 10) contains a
“Field Action Report” entitled “Communal Housing Settings Enhance Substance Abuse
Recovery,” by L. Jason, B. Olson, J. Ferrari and A. LoSasso. They report on an experiment in
which 150 individuals were randomly assigned to either an Oxford House or a “usual-care
condition (i.e. outpatient treatment or self-help groups) after discharge from inpatient substance
abuse treatment. The study team from DePaul University, in Chicago, found “significantly
greater positive outcomes” among the participants assigned to an Oxford House than those
assigned to the usual care. At the 24-month follow-up, the Oxford House residents had lower
substance use (31.3% vs. 64.8%), higher monthly income ($9889.40 vs. $440.00), and lower
incarceration rates (3% vs. 9%). The report gives a brief history of the Oxford House movement
and describes the experience in some detail. The article can be accessed via the Faces & Voices
of Recovery website http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/resources/publications.php.
There are 58 Oxford Houses in the state of Missouri. A directory of those houses and others
around the country is at http://oxfordhouse.org/missouri.html.
“Quality of Life Satisfaction” Among People in Recovery
the Subject of a Recent Study
“The Role of Social Supports, Spirituality, Religiousness, Life Meaning and Affiliation with
12-Step Fellowships in Quality of Life Satisfaction Among Individuals in Recovery from Alcohol
and Drug Problems” (A. Laudet, K. Morgen, and W. White) is available as a National Institute
of Health (NIH) Public Access author manuscript. It has been co-published simultaneously in
the journal Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly and in the book Spirituality and Religiousness and
Alcohol/Other Drug Problems: Treatment and Recovery Perspectives (Haworth Press, 2006).
The Summary reads as follows: “Many recovering substance abusers report quitting drugs
because they wanted a better life. The road of recovery is the path to a better life but a
challenging and stressful path for most. There has been little research among recovering persons
in spite of the numbers involved, and most research has focused on substance use outcomes.
This study examines stress and quality of life as a function of time in recovery, and uses
structural equation modeling to test the hypothesis that social supports, spirituality, religiousness,
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life meaning, and 12-step affiliation buffer stress toward enhanced life satisfaction. Recovering
persons (N=353) recruited in New York City were mostly inner city ethnic minority members
whose primary substance has been crack or heroin. Longer recovery time was significantly
associated with lower stress and with higher quality of life. Findings supported the study
hypothesis; the ‘buffer’ constructs accounted for 22% of the variance in life satisfaction.
Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.”
The NIH public access manuscript can be accessed via the Faces & Voices of Recovery
website http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/resources/publications.php
“Faces and Voices” Launches Membership Campaign
Faces & Voice of Recovery has announced a new membership policy. Board president
Merlyn Karst writes: “We want you to become a founding member and be part of building an
organized recovery community that will make a difference and bring down the barriers that are
keeping people from getting the help they need.” Annual membership categories and fees range
from $30 Advocate to $50 Supporter, $100 Sponsor, $200 Non Profit Recovery Community
Organization and $1000 Partner. A Recovery Investor is a person who commits to make a gift
each month to the campaign, with each investor choosing the amount of the gift to support.
Each comes with specific benefits. Even those who want to help but are unable to pay the full
membership fee can receive the eNewsletter.
“Faces & Voices of Recovery is committed to organizing and mobilizing the millions of
Americans in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drugs, our families, friends and allies to
speak with one voice. We are dedicated to changing public perceptions of recovery. Together,
we are promoting effective public policy that will end discrimination. Putting a face on recovery
and raising our voices will shout the fact that recovery is a reality and is making life better for
millions of Americans.” MRN has participated in the organization’s activities, and Campaign
Coordinator Pat Taylor made a presentation at the April 2006 MRN Rally in Jefferson City.
Further information about the organization, its activities, resources, and membership benefits can
be found at http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/Membership/membership_enews.php.
Berhorst Receives “Professional of the Year” Award
Congratulations to ACT Missouri Executive Director Connie Berhorst, who received the
2006 “Professional of the Year” award from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence of Greater Kansas City (NCADD-KC). ACT Missouri is the parent organization of
the Missouri Recovery Network (MRN). Awards were presented at the December 1, 2006
Celebration of Recovery Breakfast at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Kansas City.
Congratulations also to the other awardees: David Fleming, Western Division Administrator,
Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse; “Missouri Public Service Award;” Stacey L.
Herd, Kansas Public Service Award; Jim Nunnelly, Program Administrator, COMBAT: The
Community Backed Anti-Drug Sales Tax, “Jim Eads Lifetime Achievement Award;” Victor E.
Speas Foundation, Bank of America Trustee, “Philanthropist of the Year;” John Edsel,
“Volunteer of the Year,” and M.A.P.P., the Metropolitan Association of Prevention
Professionals, “Community Service Award..”
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Brenda Schell
Project Director, Missouri Recovery Network
December 18, 2006
NOTE: Gerrit L. DenHartog served as advisor and contributor to the content of this report.
[Disclaimer: The content and views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author
and may not reflect the views or priorities of the agencies and organizations to which reference
is made.]
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