Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 Source: Kingsport Times-News (TN) Copyright: 2005 Kingsport Publishing Corporation Contact: http://gotricities.net/domains/timesnews.net/lettertoEditor.dna?action=new Website: http://www.timesnews.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1437 Author: Kevin Castle Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) SPEAKERS OUTLINE PROS, CONS OF METHADONE CLINICS MARION - Both sides of the methadone clinic argument were presented Tuesday during a state-sponsored public hearing held to gather information on draft emergency regulations for opiate treatment in Virginia. Exactly eight individuals, including four members of local and state government, signed up and approached the lectern inside the Marion Best Western to speak about possible changes to the future licensure and procedures dealing with the dispensing of legal methadone to patients. The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services was directed by the General Assembly to hold the hearings before any new licenses were issued to prospective methadone clinic providers. State Sen. William Wampler Jr., R-Bristol, noted in his remarks that the treatment for drug addiction has had many stories of sorrow and struggle delivered to his office via e-mail, phone calls and face-to-face confrontations. He also noted that the problem cannot go away unless the state gets a better handle on what treatment options are available to residents and if profiteering methadone clinic owners aren't stopped to come "in the dark of night" to set up "drive-by methadone clinics." Wampler also noted that community service boards that currently offer drug addiction treatment in Southwest Virginia have communicated a displeasure with the tactics of for-profit groups who want to make a dollar at the expense of needy patients. "It seems like (the methadone clinic operators) are playing 'let's keep a secret,"' said the senator. "I'm not saying that treatment in these types of facilities can't change lives for the better, but right now, that is only 50 percent of those entering those clinics get a positive outcome. "That's where I think your regulations are ... somewhat deficient. (You need to have regulations) that say (the patient) will have methadone as a treatment, but will also have inpatient and intensive outpatient counseling." Scott County Attorney Dean Foster also addressed the panel, asking the group to consider taking a closer look at medical conglomerates that care more about the bottom line than a patient's care. He backed that statement up with the situation that developed last year when Appalachian Treatment Services applied for a license with the agency to operate a clinic in the state line area of the county near the Weber City town limits. "As you can see, that location is in close proximity to the Tri-Cities region, which has a population of over 400,000," Foster said as he handed out maps to the board. "In their application, (ATS) stated that they projected generating revenue totaling $614,000 by treating approximately 250 patients by dispensing methadone to patients at a cost of $65 per week. "The only goal these people have is to make money. The reason that they want to locate in Scott County is to gain patients out of Tennessee. I would like to see more restrictions placed on these groups, and more of the treatment-based programs put in the hands of nonprofit groups." Life Center of Galax official Ed Olinger, who helps manage the company's opiate treatment clinic in Cedar Bluff in Tazewell County, says their form of treatment is reaping success and has no problem with more state monitoring of their practices. "Over 80 percent of our patients are gainfully employed. They are trying to help their families, trying to get their lives back in order, and they are taxpayers," said Olinger. "The benefits far outweigh the negatives attached to methadone treatment, but it is a lengthy process. Those first 30 days of treatment are crucial, and that is usually when we see folks drop out because of financial hardships or other factors. ... This is improving the quality of life for people." Frank Tetrick, assistant commissioner for community services, said Tuesday that all of the information from the three public hearings - with the other two taking place later this week in northern Virginia - will be taken into account when a final vote on the regulations are taken in October. "We have to consider what is best for the people of the state and the treatment they receive, but we also have to consider the concerns of communities. We hope a balance can be achieved," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth