There are a lot of people in Wisconsin who know a lot about these issues, and who know Gov. Thompson pretty well, too. We asked some of them to jot down some thoughts on what they think should be high on the governor's agenda when he moves to the top of the HHS org chart. My advice would be to address alcohol and other drug abuse from the perspective of prevention and treatment instead of incarceration. The bricks and mortar of prisons will not solve this problem. Treatment is seven times more cost effective than incarceration.
Prevention is five times more cost effective than treatment.
We need a national policy that supports quality treatment for people who need it, and promotes prevention initiatives for our children and families. It is an investment in our future. We need to make it a priority now, get focused and stick with it. My best advice to you on AIDS is to use the same enlightened approach to AIDS issues nationally that you have in Wisconsin for 14 years. Replicate Wisconsin's HIV care and treatment system throughout the country by expanding Medicaid coverage and the Ryan White Care Act to assure comprehensive health and social services for everyone living with HIV disease.