Old jail could help treat addiction

The destruction of the old Kane County jail, a building that is in good shape and could be used for many humanitarian issues, is a disaster.

What a waste to tear down a building that took thousands of man hours to build not only in the construct but in the manufacturing of the materials that went into the construction. It appears that the future as laid out by the current Kane County Board is for the benefit of contractors, demolition companies, real estate agents and developers.

The board’s past decisions show a lack of concern for the human needs of the people of Kane County. Take, for instance, the reduction of the health department and the laying off numerous employees which eventually cost thousands of dollars to settle.

There is a great need for shelters for the homeless, job training, family assistance and substance abuse treatment. What would make more common sense: to pay $8,000 for treatment for a person with the disease of addiction or $50,000 for incarceration?

Addicts must wait months before they can go to a treatment facility. While waiting they return to supporting their addiction habits by returning to those illegal activities. Therefore, common sense dictates that we provide treatment facilities for all those in need.

The disease of addiction not only affects the individual but also the families, children, and society as a whole. To help stop this fast spreading disease we need to educate our children and families by providing more programs in schools and the community. We need more facilities to treat these addicts and reduce the burden that addiction costs the community.

The $10 million the country has set aside for the development of the jail site would go a long way to fight the disease of addiction and help many to again become productive members of society.

Ralph E. Gebes

Batavia

Addiction Counselor

Stepping Stones