PUBLIC CLINICS TO DISPENSE METHADONE

REDWOOD CITY -- San Mateo County will begin dispensing methadone from its
public clinics next month, after a board of supervisors vote Tuesday.

For 30 years, recovering heroin addicts in the county have relied upon a
private facility, Professional Treatment Inc., for daily doses of
methadone, which dulls the craving for opiates. The clinic is losing its
lease at the end of the month and has not been able to secure a new
location to serve its 300 clients.

In recent months, county officials have rejected three alternative site
proposals, citing traffic, parking and safety concerns related to former
drug addicts' proximity to children. Tuesday's decision took a different
turn, with supervisors saying the county should not let a private business
use county property.

Tuesday's vote enables the county to fold methadone treatment into existing
county facilities in Menlo Park and San Mateo.