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Indiana Panel Told State Lacks Help For Drug Addicts

Last updated on Monday, September 21, 2015

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A psychiatrist told a task force studying Indiana’s drug abuse troubles that the state lacks the trained personnel needed to provide treatment for those addicted to drugs.

Indiana University psychiatry professor Andrew Chambers told the panel during its first meeting Wednesday that the IU School of Medicine typically only graduates one psychiatrist a year who specializes in addictions.

Gov. Mike Pence recently appointed the task force to recommend responses to a jump in drug-abuse deaths and health problems.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary John Wernert told WXIN-TV he agrees the state lacks the providers needed to address drug addiction.

The Munster Times reported that Pence adviser John Hill said he only plans to initially recommend the governor seek greater flexibility to use existing federal health funds for drug treatment.

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