According to the proclamation, 23.1 million people in the United States have faced a substance abuse disorder in the past year. Treatment reduces reported job problems, including incomplete work and absenteeism, by an average of 75 percent.
The proclamation highlights treatment as a cost effective option, with some measurements showing a benefit-to-cost ratio of up to 7-1, with substance use disorder treatment costing $1,583 per person on average and having a monetary benefit to society of nearly $11,487 for each person treated.
“It is critical that we educate our community members and local businesses that substance use disorders are a treatable, yet serious health care problem, and by taking steps to address it, as well as provide support for the families and children of those with these disorders, we can save both lives and dollars,” the proclamation stated.
By signing the proclamation, Dr. Hardin calls upon the people of Magoffin County to observe September with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies supporting the theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More Than Ever.”
Photo: Pictured to the left, in  front row – Carolyn Isaac, R.N., Drug Free Communities (DFC) Director and Magoffin Board for KY-Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) Coordinator with Dr. Charles Hardin, Magoffin County Judge Executive.  Back row – left to right:  Diane Rudd, REACH Director, Janet Nickels, DFC Outreach Worker, Larry Bennett with New Millennium Ministries, Robert Feldhaus, Kentucky Mission Bible Training Center Co-Assistant Executive Director, Kathy Borders, R.N. DFC Media Specialist
and Lola Feldhaus, Kentucky Mission Bible Training Center Co-Assistant Executive Director.