NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | Norman Alcohol Drug Treatment Center Faces Closure
The state revenue shortfall could force the closure of the Norman Alcohol Drug Treatment Center if funds do not become available soon.
Chris Gilbert is a graduate of the treatment center and said he is living proof why it is essential for the state to find a way to save the center.By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9
NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The state revenue shortfall has placed a cloud over the future of the Norman Alcohol Drug Treatment Center.
Chris Gilbert took it hard when he heard the Norman Alcohol Drug Treatment Center might be closing.
"I hated it. It put a pit in my stomach. That place saved my life," Gilbert said, who was a graduate of the Alcohol Drug Treatment Center in Norman.
Gilbert had an existing drug problem, but it worsened when Jamie Rose Bolin, his girlfriend's daughter, was murdered in Purcell by Kevin Underwood.
By the time he entered the Norman center, Gilbert weighed less than a hundred pounds.
"They taught how to live life and how to be clean, how I'm doing everything I'm doing today. If it wasn't for them I would be dead today," Gilbert said.
The threat to the center's future has lawmakers, especially those in Norman, looking for a way to save it.
"I hope that before those beds get closed we can find some revenue source that we can look at to utilize for those beds," said Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman.
Rep. Martin said he believes there are two revenue sources the Legislature could tap to save the center. One is the rainy Day fund; the other is federal stimulus money.
Today Gilbert is clean, sober, and employed--all thanks to the Norman center, and now he has some advice for lawmakers.
"They need to fund them. They need to give 'em what they need because they are saving people's lives," Gilbert said.
Gilbert said he is living proof.
Some legislators want a special session in December to address the state budget problem, but Governor Henry wants to wait until January.
Dozens of people from across the globe are in Tulsa to play pool as Magoo's is hosting the first T-Town Classic – One Pocket Tournament. More>>
Frequently, unemployment is merely reported as a statistic, but The Oklahoma Impact Team is taking a closer look at the people behind the numbers. More>>
The recall affects eight models of cars and trucks dating back to 2005, but Tulsa dealers say the problem is easy to fix and is mostly a preventative measure. More>>
Wednesday afternoon, several airlines which serve Tulsa decided to cancel flights in and out of Tulsa on Thursday as the winter storm approaches from the west. More>>
Thirty-five of the laid off Tulsa police officers might be rehired with grant money. The sales tax would add to the current budget for police and fire. More>>
At least five felony cases have been dismissed because laid-off police officers are not able to testify. More>>
Brandon Johnson admitted to killing his mother, 36-year-old Tracy Johnson, and a 19-year-old cousin in September 2008. More>>
The community center at Owen Park will be closed at the end of February. Six other centers will also be shut down. More>>
