New County Facility Promotes Lasting Changes

Minnehaha County residents needing detoxification soon will be able to get help at a new center housed in what once was the county jail.

The finishing touches are being put on an $800,000 detox center to provide beds for 25 people in early May.

"They're going to have a program that is much more comprehensive," said Randy DeRaad, the Avera McKennan employee who will direct the center. "If you just lock them up until they sober up, you have accomplished nothing."Originally, the county had planned to open a center to hold those who hadn't necessarily broken a law but were picked up for intoxication. The price tag for that center was estimated at $85,000.

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