Methadone clinic — Community must speak up on issue

A proposed methadone clinic in Mercer County is facing stiff opposition. Last week, the Board of Directors of the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to begin distributing petitions against the clinic that would supply methadone to patients being treated for addictions.

Those opposed to the clinic have expressed concerns that patients will sell their medication, and increase illegal drug activity in the county.

But those on the other side of the issue have points as well.

Currently, people who would be treated in Mercer County for addictions to prescription pain killers and illegal drugs such as heroin must now drive two hours for treatment in Beckley, said Phil Herschman, president of the opiate treatment division of CRC Health Group, the parent company of Treatment Associates, Inc.

Describing the clinic, Herschman said, “Everybody starts coming in every day to get their medication. According to federal guidelines, patients earn the right over time to take home medications. They must keep their appointments and show a good response to treatment.”

Patients who take methadone home are subject to random call-ins that require them to bring their drugs back to the clinic, he said. For instance, if they are issued 10 doses and receive an unexpected order three days later to come back, they must have seven doses in their possession.

It is obvious those who support or oppose a methadone treatment facility in Mercer County have strong feelings on the issue.

And it is vital all affected parties make their voices heard before those in Charleston who will make the ultimate decision on the clinic.

An administrative hearing concerning the clinic will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. at the West Virginia Health Care Authority offices at 100 Dee Drive in Charleston.

At this hearing, any affected person has the right to be present or to be represented by counsel, according to Authority Chairperson Sonia D. Chambers. Anyone affected by the proposed clinic may “conduct reasonable questioning of persons who make factual allegations of such matters.”

The fate of the clinic should rest in the hands of the Mercer County people who will be affected by it.

We encourage all local residents who feel strongly about the proposed methadone clinic to attend the meeting in Charleston and speak up — whether for or against the clinic.Met

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