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Laredo, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,000,000 in federal funding for the City of Laredo Detoxification Center. The funds will support the salaries of roughly 26 staff members who assist Laredo residents battling alcohol and drug addictions. This funding is extremely helpful to the Laredo community which has historically lacked behavioral health care professionals, appropriate facilities, and treatment.

The federal earmark will also support yearly service contracts for electronic medical records in addition to office, healthcare, food, and hygiene supplies.

“Drug abuse and addiction cost American society more than $740 billion annually in lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses and crime related costs. Moreover, nearly 1 out of 8 adults struggle with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously. While urban areas typically have access to substance abuse recovery centers, Laredo residents currently must drive more than 150 miles for treatment,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These stats are disheartening and unacceptable. That is why I secured this earmark for the Laredo community. Our neighbors deserve high quality medical care at a location close to home. While this funding only covers the staff salaries and internal office costs, I will continue to work with the detox center staff to ensure they have access to every federal dollar for the construction of the building.”

“We at the City of Laredo would like share our thanks with Congressmen Cuellar and his work to earmark funds for the Detoxification Center in Laredo.  Individuals who are addicted/abuse prescription medication or illicit drugs will soon have a physical location and experienced staff ensuring them confidential, comprehensive, and individualized treatment plans providing comfort and safety when detoxing from one substance or multiple substances,” said Health Director Dr. Richard A. Chamberlin. 

Laredo and other U.S./Mexico border communities face serious behavioral health, substance abuse and co-morbidity challenges that merit behavioral health screening, treatment, and preventive care as well as detox, treatment, and rehabilitation. This detoxification center will help to alleviate some of these challenges. 

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