Trending
WINTERSVILLE -- A representative of a company planning to open an in-patient addiction treatment center on Fernwood Road said she arranged a public meeting Wednesday at St. Florian Hall to shed light on the facility.
But many of about 60 residents in attendance weren't convinced their concerns are misplaced, noting it will be next to Jefferson County Christian School.
Annie Mooney, vice president of public affairs for Landmark Recovery, said the Knoxville, Tenn.,-based business is expected to finalize the purchase of the former Lifeline Hospital on Feb. 18 and open the 72-bed treatment center later this year.
She said it is one of 11 operated by the company, including two in Willard and Euclid, Ohio, and will serve individuals who voluntarily seek treatment for various forms of addiction.
Mooney said the center will accept private pay, commercial insurance and coverage through veterans benefits but not Medicaid or Medicare, unlike some of Landmark Recovery's other facilities.
She said detox, using Suboxone and Vivitrol, will be the first step for treatment, which also will involve counseling to determine the root of addiction and instruction of life skills aimed at helping patients following their discharge.
She said the residential program typically runs 35 days but can be longer, depending on a patient's needs.
Mooney said the center will employ 80 to 100 staff members with an average yearly salary, depending on education and experience, of $85,000.
She said current Landmark Recovery employees will receive first consideration, but she expects many of the positions to be filled locally.
Mooney said the center also is expected to generate about $46,500 per year in tax revenue.
But many residents were more concerned about security measures at the center.
Mooney said the facility will be equipped with interior and exterior cameras monitored 24 hours a day, entrances opened only by keycards belonging to staff and exits rigged with alarms.
She said there will be a designated exterior area where patients may go, but no loitering will be permitted at the front entrance.
"We do have patients, a very few, who leave of their own volition," said Mooney, who added they are encouraged to wait 24 hours and receive counseling before they do.
Steven Stickles, an attorney representing the school, and a resident asked whether the center would consider posting a guard throughout the day and installing fencing and additional lighting to allay fears.
Mooney said up to now, the company hasn't made additional concessions for a facility, but she will share their suggestions with its other leaders.
In November, it appeared the center couldn't open at the site because it would violate state code prohibiting such facilities from operating within 500 feet of a public or private school or daycare center.
Mooney said the statute applies to methadone clinics but not to the Landmark Recovery center, which falls into a different class because it treats patients with Suboxone and Vivitrol, which she said aren't as strong as methadone.
Stickles disputed that interpretation.
During the meeting a man told Mooney residents are concerned because, "Drug addicts aren't good people. They're bad people and they do bad things."
His comment stirred retorts from several people.
Among them was Kelly Jeffers of Weirton, who said as a former addict, she knows the lack of local treatment programs available in an area with a high rate of deaths from drug overdose.
"God radically saved me and restored me to who I am because I went to a treatment center," she said, adding, "As Christians, we should be supporting this."
Others said many citizens aren't aware that many of their neighbors are struggling with addiction.
Bill Holt, executive director of the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, told attendees the treatment center may not be what they envision.
"It's very much like a hospital setting," he said, adding those who choose to leave "don't want to do any of their drug use on the site. They want to get out of there as fast as they can."
Following the meeting, Stickles said most residents aren't against bringing a treatment facility to the area.
"Everybody wants people to get help. It's obviously about the school. There should be a way to treat them and still protect the school," he said.
Mooney was asked why Landmark Recovery would choose a location that's elicited resistance and could spur litigation when other local buildings are available.
She said the former medical facility is well suited for the treatment center and likely to keep the cost of treatment affordable for patients.
She added the company has opened centers near other schools and didn't expect a backlash and doesn't want a legal battle.
"We're here to bring hope and healing to this area and surrounding community," said Mooney.