MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $280,806 grant to help fund substance abuse treatment at eight Alabama prisons.
According to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the grant will support a 12-month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program that provides education, counseling and drug testing.
“Ending drug addictions reduces recidivism and puts inmates on a path toward a more productive life upon release,” Ivey said. “This grant will ensure state prisons get the tools they need to help participants in the program overcome the destructive influence of illegal drug use.”
The program will operate at Bibb, Bullock, William E. Donaldson, Easterling, Staton, Ventress and St. Clair correctional facilities, along with Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women.
Drug treatment staff members conduct the program to help break the connection between addiction and criminal activity. Participants undergo drug testing before, during and after completing treatment for as long as they remain in Alabama Department of Corrections custody.
ADECA will administer the grant using funds from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Department of Corrections will provide an additional $93,602 in matching funds.
“Treating addiction before prisoners are reintegrated into the community is crucial, because drug abuse is so closely linked with crime,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this program and its focus on lasting recovery.”
