PORT ANGELES — Clallam County lawmakers have inked a $1.75 million contract with the state Department of Social and Health Services to provide chemical dependency treatment in the county for the next two years.
The revised allotment from the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery may sound like a lot, but it’s actually $80,000 less than Clallam County typically receives, county Health and Human Services Director Iva Burks said.
The money goes to state-approved chemical dependency treatment providers throughout Clallam County.
Commissioners OK
Commissioners Mike Doherty, Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman approved the contract in Tuesday’s board meeting.
The contract expires on June 30, 2011.
Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery staff secured an additional $240,165 for Clallam County by demonstrating to state legislators how chemical dependency treatment saves money in the long run, Burks said.
Clallam County’s allotment works out to $874,594.50 per year.
Since the 1970s
The county has been receiving state dollars for chemical dependency treatment and prevention services since the 1970s, Burks said.
Earlier in the meeting, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office was honored in a short presentation for donating the most cans of tuna among county departments in a United Way food drive.
Tuna donations
The Sheriff’s Office, which was pitted in a friendly competition with the Juvenile and Family Services Department, turned in 1,567 cans at the last minute, County Auditor Patty Rosand said.
All told, Clallam County employees donated 2,870 cans of tuna for the United Way drive.
“There was no tuna left in town,” Rosand joked.
The tuna was donated to food banks in Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks.
_________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com
