LEGISLATION PUSHES FOR METHADONE CLINIC RULES

RICHMOND (AP)- As communities in western Virginia struggle to cope with the
drug abuse wrought by OxyContin, legislation introduced at the General
Assembly could severely restrict where certain treatment clinics are
allowed to be located.

Two bills face a final vote in the Senate this week. One would prohibit any
methadone clinic within half a mile of a school or day-care center, and
another would require the state to notify localities when a methadone
clinic is proposed in their area.

Both bills aim to protect communities from the ill effects some associate
with methadone clinics: drug dealing and increased crime. Advocates say
localities are often unaware that privately run clinics have even applied
for a license until it's too late to oppose the location.

"Methadone treatment is for the most severe addictions, and what I've heard
a lot of my citizens say, they recognize the need for treatment, but in the
right setting," said Sen. William C. Wampler, R-Bristol, a co-sponsor of
the legislation along with Sen. J. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County.

Western Virginia already has three methadone clinics - in Galax, Tazewell
County and Charlottesville - that largely treat addicts of the prescription
painkiller OxyContin.

Police have not encountered serious crime around the clinics in Galax and
Tazewell County.