Stronger, Safer Communities
The Family Services and Treatment Levy is a critical component in promoting strong, vibrant communities in Hamilton County. Using an evidence-based approach, the programs funded by the levy provide solutions for effective drug prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The services funded by this levy make our communities safer by effectively reducing crime related
to drugs, addiction and mental health issues. The levy provides judges with alternatives at sentencing that can help stop the revolving door back into the jail. Families and individuals all across Hamilton County are impacted every day by the devastation caused by alcohol, he**in and other drug addiction. The damages of addiction that are inflicted upon families reach across all walks of life into every community. Cost Effective
The Family Services and Treatment Levy creates an exponential return on the funding it receives. By providing intervention and prevention services, the levy helps to significantly reduce the consumption of county resources. When compared to other alternatives, interventions funded by the Family Services and Treatment Levy consume considerably fewer taxpayer funded resources. Moreover, the agencies who administer the funded programs are highly experienced professionals, with expertise implementing evidence-based treatments that work. These agencies have a long history of providing high quality services in the most cost effective manner possible. By keeping the levy a flat renewal, the Family Services and Treatment will generate approximately $6,177,666 annually from 2015 through 2019. This results in a 9.5% reduction for all current levy programs. This is at a time when Hamilton County is struggling with the impact of the op**te crisis. A recent Ohio Department of Health study found that over the 1997 to 2011 period, prescription op**te rates increased 643% as the death rate from overdose on such prescription drugs has correspondingly risen by 365%. The levy funds several treatment and prevention programs, including:
1617 Reading Road – Provides chemical dependency education and treatment, relapse prevention, and vocational and educational services. Over the course of the last levy cycle, Talbert House saw a 74% success rate for participants. Based on FY13 data, the average length of stay was 79 days. With an average sentence of 180 days, the program saved 83,426 jail bed days that year. Turning Point – Funds a residential treatment program for chemical dependency treatment to adult males convicted of multiple DUIs and other alcohol and/or drug related offenses. Over the course of the last levy cycle, Talbert House saw 98% success rate for participants. Based on FY13 data, the average length of stay was reduced resulting in a savings of 113 days per client or 24,069 jail days. ADAPT (Drug Court) – Funds comprehensive treatment programs for non-violent offenders to reduce the burden on the jail and stop the revolving door back into jail. The Hamilton County Drug Court provides judges with alternative sentencing options so that people who need help can be given treatment. In FY10, 26% of the clients were diagnosed with op**te use/abuse/dependency as their primary diagnosis. In FY14, 87% of the clients had this as a primary diagnosis. Reentry Programs and Sheriff Staffing – Provides resources and strategies to address the basic needs of individuals in these programs as well as those returning to the community from incarceration in order to reduce the likelihood the individuals will reoffend. Drug Free Communities – Provides funding for comprehensive, grassroots efforts to prevent substance abuse among youth in Hamilton County and help ordinary people solve problems related to drugs and violence in their own neighborhoods. It WON'T Raise Your Taxes
The Family Services and Treatment Levy is a renewal, which means it WON’T increase your taxes! The rate will remain 0.34 mills, which costs the owner of a $100,000 home $10.20 per year. Do Your Part
You can help us build stronger communities in Hamilton County and ensure the continued provision of these vital services by voting FOR the Family Services and Treatment Levy on November 4, 2014. Paid for by Citizens for Family Services and Treatment, Paul Brunner, Treasurer, 2600 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45206
