On Feb. 6, before an audience of notables from the LGBTA community, Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) launched its Crystal Clear meth program. Crystal Clear is the center's intensive outpatient program that deals with physical and psychological needs. It runs Monday through Saturday, and participants are involved in the program for at least nine hours each week to aid with recovery.
'We all know that crystal meth is a serious—and sometimes, deadly—problem in our community,' HBHC executive director Michael Cook told the audience. 'The devastating effects of crystal meth on the lives of those touched by it has made sensational headlines and heartbreaking stories—and, for many of us, those stories involve someone we love. The user is not the only victim.
'Crystal meth is a demon,' he continued. 'Ultimately, its victims experience dependence, depression, health problems, impaired sexual function, occupational problems, the loss of valued relationships—and, sometimes, death. As community leaders, we have the obligation to work together.'
One important aspect of the program is that it is open to everyone, regardless of his or her ability to pay—something the Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH0 ensured would happen. 'CDPH has provided the funding that makes it possible to provide counseling free of charge to members of our community who have limited financial resources or who are uninsured or underinsured.'
Dr. Terry Mason, the city's new public health commissioner, was thankful for the opportunity to assist 'with a very serious problem.' He added that the department looked forward to funding the program over the next three years, to the tune of $567,000. Moreover, Mason commented that ' [ the meth situation ] is a really devastating problem, but it's really just one of many. The real problem is the behavior that leads to addiction in the first place. We've got to tackle the real problem. What is it about our lifestyle? What is it about the way we live? What is it about our value system that drives us to these behaviors, like crystal meth addiction [ and ] unsafe sex?'
Jim Pickett, public policy director for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and co-chair of the Crystal Meth Task Force, offered both organizations' support for the Crystal Clear program. 'It's a vital new component in Chicago's response to crystal meth use in the LGBTQ community.' He added that ' [ d ] espite some of the pathology to the contrary, treatment does work. We need to put more resources into treatment.'
Among those who attended the conference were Ald. Tom Tunney of the 44th Ward; Chris Brown of CDPH; Robbin Burr, executive director of Center on Halsted; Jessica Halem of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project; and Jon Hinard, HBHC board chairman.
Call ( 773 ) 388-8891 or see www.howardbrown.org as well as www.crystalbreaks.org for more info.