Pubdate: Fri, 31 Dec 2004
Source: Eufaula Tribune, The (AL)
Copyright: Eufaula Tribune 2004
Contact:  http://www.eufaulatribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1921

REHAB FACILITY TO OPEN SOON

A drug and alcohol rehab facility should begin operating in Barbour
County by March 1.

While officials for the Southeast Alabama Regional Rehabilitation
Facility are still searching for a fulltime home, a handful of
outpatient programs will be offered beginning in two months, according
to Keith Dohney, who is spearheading efforts to launch the facility.
Initial programs that will be offered include a 12-step Alcoholics
Anonymous program, chemical dependency group and counseling. The
facility's temporary home is 9 W. College Ave. in Clayton, beside Beaty Ford.

While facility officials have expressed interest in purchasing the
former Clio Elementary School, Dohney said they are studying other
options, including the construction of a facility.

Dohney said Carl Garner was recently tapped as the facility's chief
executive officer. Garner previously worked with the State Department
of Human Resources.

Dohney on commission

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley recently appointed Dohney to the Alabama
Commission for the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse.

According to a state press release, the commission is designed so
"state agencies that address issues related to substance abuse will
participate in a combined effort to improve the effectiveness and
accountability of state-funded programs."

"Alabama's future is tightly bound to our ability to combat substance
abuse, whether it involves relative newcomers to the drug scene like
OxyContin or long-time problems like marijuana and alcohol," Riley
said.

"Each year, we spend at least $1.2 billion in state funds on
treatment, prevention and other services that address the crime, death
and misery caused by drug and alcohol abuse. Any problem exacting such
a heavy cost on the health and well being of our citizens demands an
organized, coordinated plan that achieves results. Such an approach
will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of
state-funded programs that address substance abuse."

The commission grew out of the Department of Mental Health and Mental
Retardation's work with Resources for Recovery, a national grant
program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Donations needed

The local facility is still accepting donations.
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MAP posted-by: Derek