Another study on substance abuse not well received

Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999 | 9:53 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Government is often accused of studying a problem to death, and the state Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse may be the perfect example.

The Legislative Interim Finance Committee declined Wednesday to allow the bureau to use $478,000 to pay for assessments on what is needed to attack the problems of alcohol and drugs in Nevada.

The action came after Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, said the bureau last year completed a $500,000 study on the same subject. And it was revealed there have been at least four surveys on the same topic.

"How many studies do we need to know there is a problem?" Leslie said. "We need more treatment."

Alex Haartz, administrative service officer for the state Health Division that oversees the bureau, said there may have been four studies over the past five years. He said there may be a requirement that the bureau must do a study when it seeks to qualify for its annual application for federal funds.

Peg Hellman, acting director of the bureau since July, said she does not know about prior studies or if the federal government requires a new assessment each time a grant is sought. Hellman runs the special children's clinic and is only filling in until a permanent director is found.

She said she will follow up to find out exactly how many studies have been made and what the federal requirements are.

"My concern is why are we repeating what we have already done," Leslie said. "I know in June of 1998 they finished a very intensive study."

She said she was surprised at the statement of Haartz that there have been four studies.

"Nevada has tremendous needs. We all know that," Leslie said. "I don't understand why we are doing another needs assessment."

Leslie suggested that previous studies of the needs of Nevadans might be used in applying for federal money.

The bureau has already contracted with the University and Community College System of Nevada to do the statewide alcohol and drug use needs assessment. But Haartz said no money has been paid to the university.