SPEAKERS OUTLINE PROS, CONS OF METHADONE CLINICS

MARION - Both sides of the methadone clinic argument were presented Tuesday
during a state-sponsored public hearing held to gather information on draft
emergency regulations for opiate treatment in Virginia.

Exactly eight individuals, including four members of local and state
government, signed up and approached the lectern inside the Marion Best
Western to speak about possible changes to the future licensure and
procedures dealing with the dispensing of legal methadone to patients.

The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance
Abuse Services was directed by the General Assembly to hold the hearings
before any new licenses were issued to prospective methadone clinic providers.

State Sen. William Wampler Jr., R-Bristol, noted in his remarks that the
treatment for drug addiction has had many stories of sorrow and struggle
delivered to his office via e-mail, phone calls and face-to-face
confrontations.

He also noted that the problem cannot go away unless the state gets a
better handle on what treatment options are available to residents and if
profiteering methadone clinic owners aren't stopped to come "in the dark of
night" to set up "drive-by methadone clinics."

Wampler also noted that community service boards that currently offer drug
addiction treatment in Southwest Virginia have communicated a displeasure
with the tactics of for-profit groups who want to make a dollar at the
expense of needy patients.

"It seems like (the methadone clinic operators) are playing 'let's keep a
secret,"' said the senator.

"I'm not saying that treatment in these types of facilities can't change
lives for the better, but right now, that is only 50 percent of those
entering those clinics get a positive outcome.

"That's where I think your regulations are ... somewhat deficient. (You
need to have regulations) that say (the patient) will have methadone as a
treatment, but will also have inpatient and intensive outpatient counseling."

Scott County Attorney Dean Foster also addressed the panel, asking the
group to consider taking a closer look at medical conglomerates that care
more about the bottom line than a patient's care.

He backed that statement up with the situation that developed last year
when Appalachian Treatment Services applied for a license with the agency
to operate a clinic in the state line area of the county near the Weber
City town limits.

"As you can see, that location is in close proximity to the Tri-Cities
region, which has a population of over 400,000," Foster said as he handed
out maps to the board.

"In their application, (ATS) stated that they projected generating revenue
totaling $614,000 by treating approximately 250 patients by dispensing
methadone to patients at a cost of $65 per week.

"The only goal these people have is to make money. The reason that they
want to locate in Scott County is to gain patients out of Tennessee. I
would like to see more restrictions placed on these groups, and more of the
treatment-based programs put in the hands of nonprofit groups."

Life Center of Galax official Ed Olinger, who helps manage the company's
opiate treatment clinic in Cedar Bluff in Tazewell County, says their form
of treatment is reaping success and has no problem with more state
monitoring of their practices.

"Over 80 percent of our patients are gainfully employed. They are trying to
help their families, trying to get their lives back in order, and they are
taxpayers," said Olinger.

"The benefits far outweigh the negatives attached to methadone treatment,
but it is a lengthy process. Those first 30 days of treatment are crucial,
and that is usually when we see folks drop out because of financial
hardships or other factors. ... This is improving the quality of life for
people."

Frank Tetrick, assistant commissioner for community services, said Tuesday
that all of the information from the three public hearings - with the other
two taking place later this week in northern Virginia - will be taken into
account when a final vote on the regulations are taken in October.

"We have to consider what is best for the people of the state and the
treatment they receive, but we also have to consider the concerns of
communities. We hope a balance can be achieved," he said.