Drug Abuse Treatment Waiting List Reduction Grant Program

PURPOSE

This inspection assesses the extent to which the Drug Abuse Treatment Waiting List Reduction Grant Program reduced waiting lists for drug treatment by expanding the capacity of existing programs.

BACKGROUND

The Drug Abuse Treatment Waiting List Reduction Grant Program, established under Section 509(E) of the Public Health Service Act, was created to reduce treatment waiting lists by expanding existing drug treatment programs. Congress authorized $100 million for grants under the program, $75 million of which was to be used in Fiscal Year (FY) 1989 and the remaining $25 million in FY 1990. Sixty-nine grants covering 361 local programs were awarded. An additional $40 million for program grants was reauthorized for FY 1991. Both public and non-profit private entities were awarded grants, either independently or through a "State Umbrella Application." These grantees had to fulfill four requirements: (1) have experience in delivery of treatment services for drug abuse; (2) demonstrate, as of the date the application was submitted, success in carrying out a program approved by the State; (3) be unable to admit any individual into treatment earlier than one month after the individual requests care; and (4) provide assurances that the program would have access to financial resources sufficient to continue its expanded capacity after the grant is terminated. The grant was originally awarded for a period of 12 months. It was later amended to allow for a three or six month extension in response to problems that prevented programs from being able to spend their money within the allotted time.