DRUG PROGRAM EXPANDS SERVICES

Mcalester Center Adds Family Counseling

McALESTER -- An alcohol and drug rehabilitation center that grew out
of a community's concern about the lack of care for substance abusers
has added services in its 24th year of operation.

The Oaks is a nonprofit, community-based program that works to combat
alcohol and drug addiction, but also has moved into the areas of
domestic violence and family counseling.

One of Oklahoma's first residential and coeducational substance abuse
treatment centers, The Oaks has seen growth every year since its
formation in 1974.

Cora Eckenberger, The Oaks quality control director, said programs new
this year include providing services for Jackie Brannon Correctional
Center in McAlester, getting certification for domestic violence
services for community residents, renovating a wing for a day-care
center, extending outpatient services to adolescents and expanding New
Life, a program for women drug abusers with children.

"We're doing a lot of good stuff," Eckenberger said. "We've seen the
need to broaden our support because so many places are closing."

The Oaks grew out of a community concern that people affected by
alcohol and drug abuse weren't being helped and instead were landing
behind bars, director Paul Hackler said.

"Substance abuse had, for so many years, been called a family closet
problem, and no one wanted to talk about it and admit it was a real
problem. ... Today, it's recognized as a disease of addiction."

The Oaks is a nonprofit group and operates with state and federal
grants.

"We treat anyone," Hackler said. "Those who can't afford to pay
sliding scale fees are given treatment. That way we're able to help
the indigent."

Jackie Brannon inmates participating in The Oaks services are selected
by state Corrections Department officials, Eckenberger said.

Services include drug testing.

"DOC's early testing gave some positives in their referral process,
but none of ours came out positive," Eckenberger said. "Jackie
Brannon's staff said our program helped limit behavioral misconduct in
participants. So I'm sure the program is a deterrent."

The Oaks also offers drug testing to the public or to business
employers for their employees through a certified laboratory,
Eckenberger said.

For the domestic violence services, The Oaks staff established the
CARE Center, or Crisis and Related Emergency, that provides shelter
for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, CARE
director Lou McKnight said.

Previously, all of the referrals for such services were sent to
Muskogee, Stigler and Ada, Hackler said.

"The police department here averages one call a day for a domestic
violence situation," McKnight said. "And that's probably one out of
about six to 10 women needing help. These women fear calling the
police because their abuser makes threats."

A licensed day-care center will open soon, serving women in the New
Life program, as well as women in the CARE program.

The Oaks has nine outpatient satellites, called The Oaks Behavioral
Health Centers. The latest center was formed in Poteau in July. The
other centers are in Okmulgee, Eufaula, Wilburton, Antlers, Atoka,
Coalgate and Tishomingo.

The Area Prevention Resource Center provides prevention services to
schools and community organizations in Pittsburg, Hughes, Latimer,
Atoka and Coal counties.

Eckenberger said outpatient services are provided in substance abuse
assessment, behavioral health treatment, cognitive-behavioral
treatment, DUI assessments, aftercare substance abuse treatment, drug
testing, adolescent and youth intervention and treatment, and family
counseling.

Since not all people have alcohol and drug problems and outpatient
mental health services are scarce, The Oaks staff widened its services
to include people suffering from depression, mental health issues in
relationships, parenting and other problems, Eckenberger said.

People wanting treatment for drug or other problems can contact The
Oaks at (918) 423-6030. Those seeking shelter from domestic violence
can call CARE at (918) 423-0032, Eckenberger said.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry