FACILITY NEEDED FOR ADDICTS' CARE

The loss of Smith Hospital's long-term care facility for patients with
substance abuse problems is truly unfortunate for our community.

The residential facility is housed in the old hospital building in Hahira,
which won't pass building codes without a minimum $250,000 investment. It's
jointly operated by Smith Northview Hospital and Behavioral Health Services
of South Georgia.

After Dec. 23, those who have been treated for detoxification from
addictions will have no place to go but home after being released from
Smith Northview's main hospital. The Hahira facility had allowed up to 29
patients to remain in supervised conditions for up to 100 days. It has
remained full since opening in July 2002.

Outpatient programs will continue to be available locally, but the closest
residential programs are in Tifton, Thomasville and Waycross, and they have
waiting lists.

Anyone who has known an alcoholic or drug addict realizes the circumstances
of the person's life often impede his or her recovery. Returning to
problems with finances or relationships or the simple stress of everyday
life can be an insurmountable challenge.

An addict can be helped considerably through an interim phase in a more
controlled environment. They often need constant support that might be
harder to find at home. Finally, there might simply too much temptation at
home if other family members have problems with drugs or alcohol.

We urge another hospital or healthcare entity to help Behavioral Health
Services meet this important need.

Our society usually has no problem finding jail cells for even the most
minor criminal. It should be made an equal priority to provide support for
the recovering addict.