TEENS REPORTING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM

NORMAN -- Teenagers from across the state are expected to report today for
substance abuse programs at the Norman Adolescent Center, the first
state-operated center for youths addicted to drugs or alcohol. State
legislators and officials with the state Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services met Monday to celebrate the opening of the
treatment center, which adds 21 beds for boys and girls ages 13 to 17.

Ben Brown, deputy commissioner of the department, said opening the
treatment center has been a priority for some time.

The center opened to treat teenagers because of caring parents and
relatives, as well as taxpayers.

"We will, through the opening of this center, participate in saving lives,"
Brown said.

The state contracts with two other adolescent substance abuse centers that
house fewer than 40 teenagers. The new center will increase capacity
statewide more than 50 percent.

Terry Cline, commissioner of the department, held back tears as he talked
about the center's opening.

"This is a great day," Cline said. "It's a glorious day. We're sending a
message about hope. This is a message about recovery and people regaining
their futures."

Cline said 15,000 to 20,000 teenagers in the state are chemically
dependent. If they do not receive treatment, they will likely end up
costing the state more money when they are booked into jail as adults, he said.

The Legislature appropriated about $350,000 for the Norman center.

State Sen. Cal Hobson, D- Lexington, who is expected to be elected Senate
president pro tempore today, has been credited with helping to find state
funds for the project.

Hobson said his work on the Senate Appropriations Committee enabled him to
become more involved in the project.

"While we're proceeding into the teeth of a $600 million shortfall, our
kids are not going to get any better until they get treatment," Hobson
said. "We don't want them to be part of the prison system."

State Rep. Thad Balkman, R- Norman, agreed with Hobson that the state is
fortunate to open the center in the midst of budget woes.

"To do it in light of the budget situation ... is a real victory for
Oklahoma and those with substance abuse problems," Balkman said. "I'm
convinced the money we spent will result in great things down the road."
Vicki McEntire, acting director of the Norman Adolescent Center, said the
programs at the center will provide the highest- quality residential
substance- abuse treatment available in the state.

The center will house 11 boys and 10 girls, McEntire said. The teenagers,
who will stay an average of three months, will spend most of their days in
substance-abuse treatment activities at the Central Oklahoma Mental Health
Center, 909 E Alameda.

The teens will spend their evenings in dorms at the Oklahoma Youth Center,
320 12th Ave. NE, McEntire said.

McEntire was honored during Monday's opening for her hard work to turn
storage areas into dorms for the teenagers.

"Over the last four months, there has been skepticism and support,"
McEntire said. "This will fill a desperate need. It's reality today."

Officials anticipate that each of the 21 beds at the center will be
occupied within a couple of weeks and a lengthy waiting list of youths from
across the state will be established.