PROGRAM WILL TREAT METH USERS

The use of methamphetamine (meth) is a growing concern in Caldwell County.

This is why ARP/Phoenix of Caldwell County is introducing a new
substance abuse program to address meth use.

ARP/Phoenix Regional Director Wrenn Rivenbark said the new meth
program will be a year-long program under a partnership with the
Caldwell County Department of Social Services and local law
enforcement. He said the program will be for treatment and intervention.

"This is significant for Caldwell County," Rivenbark said. "There are
currently substance abuse programs in place; this county is not
underserved. I think Caldwell is a great benefactor of this. It is up
to us to make it effective."

Onsite Director Rama Jean Franklin said substance abuse can increase
with an added life stressor such as unemployment. She said the meth
program and other substance abuse programs are aimed at capturing the
needs within the entire family. She said she anticipates the need for
all mental health services, including substance abuse, to increase.

"Certainly with the unemployment rate going up in Caldwell County, we
anticipate the needs to increase," Franklin said. "We have seen our
client caseload increase considerably since August. I think (the meth
program) will give DSS and law enforcement agencies a partner in
making positive changes."

The ability to pay for services tends to be a concern for current and
potential clientele. Rivenbark said ARP/Phoenix uses tools such as
sliding fee scales to make help available regardless of source and
amount of funds.

"When funds decrease and there is a need of services, they may feel
they cannot afford it and they put it on the back burner when they
may need it most," Rivenbark said. "We can work out payment plans
that will hopefully be affordable. We are not in the business of
turning people away."

The meth program has been in the planning stages for approximately
four months and it is tentatively scheduled to start this month.
Rivenbark said most clients will be referred, but people still may
walk through their doors for help.

ARP/Phoenix works very closely with Foothills. Rivenbark said it is
important to have a close-working relationship with Foothill so
clients feel like they are talking to the same people when they call
Foothills. He said the goal is to be as seamless as possible.

ARP/Phoenix of Caldwell County is contracted with Foothills Area
Program to provide some mental health services. Their services
include substance abuse assessments, education, prevention and
treatment; DWI assessment, treatment and aftercare; behavioral health
assessments and treatment; Marijuana Awareness and Treatment Program;
Domestic Violence Program; adolescent and adult crisis, detox and
rehabilitation; Work First; day treatment; court-ordered assessments
and treatment; employee assistance program; and hospital consultations.