Hawaii House Bill HCR88

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Restore Funding For Certain Substance Use Disorder Treatment Agencies For The Fiscal Years 2022-2023 And 2023-2024 For Residential, Outpatient, And Adolescent School-based Services.

Impact

The resolution seeks to amend the previous funding reductions by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and effective treatment options for individuals with SUDs, particularly in school-based settings. This reflects an acknowledgment of the serious public health crisis posed by substance use disorders, highlighting the importance of investment in effective treatment services. By restoring funding, the state intends to enhance access to evidence-based practices and harm reduction strategies that are essential for effectively addressing SUDs, which not only affect individuals but also their families and communities.

Summary

HCR88 requests the Department of Health in Hawaii to restore funding for various substance use disorder (SUD) treatment agencies for the fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The resolution addresses the substantial impact of previous funding cuts that led to a reduced availability of crucial services such as residential treatment for adults and adolescent school-based support programs. These reductions have been detrimental, resulting in hundreds of individuals losing access to necessary treatment, and causing significant declines in service capacity, particularly for pregnant and parenting women who require specialized care that accommodates their unique needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the allocation of state resources and the prioritization of public health funding versus other state needs. Proponents of HCR88 highlight the necessity of these programs for societal well-being and the long-term benefits of investing in treatment rather than allowing individuals to fall through the cracks of inadequate care systems. Critics, however, might argue about the sustainability of funding such initiatives, especially in light of competing fiscal demands. Nevertheless, the consensus among health advocates underscores the importance of these services in promoting recovery and preventing the worsening of public health issues related to addiction.