Parents, concerned about the arrival of an opioids treatment center in Wellesley nearby St. John School and Schofield Elementary School, have organized a meeting to discuss the situation on Oct. 3, from 7:30-8:30pm at the Wellesley Community Center.
As Swellesley first reported earlier this month, BayMark Health Services plans to open its latest Coleman Institute at 30 Washington St., in Wellesley. Coleman Institutes have been around for the past 20 years, and use a combination of Naltrexone therapy and long-term case management to lead patients to recovery.
When we first reported the story, the Coleman Institute’s plans were news to town officials we reached out to. However, the Board of Selectmen issued a statement about the opioids detox facility on Sept. 24 after residents raised questions about it. The Board says it is has invited Coleman reps to speak at its Oct. 22 meeting, and has invited the public to attend and air their questions.
A letter from concerned parents who organized the Oct. 3 meeting states that:
“Given the location approximately 1,400 feet from St. John School and 2,600 feet from Schofield School there is great concern that this type of facility plans to operate in such close proximity to elementary schools.
Addiction, especially the current opioid epidemic is a devastating national disaster. The disease of addiction has touched almost every family across socioeconomic levels. There is a desperate need for access to treatment. The Coleman Institute is providing treatment and that is commendable.
However, the location of treatment centers needs to be carefully and thoughtfully considered. This center, opening so close to our elementary schools, is intended as a regional center.
This center plans to operate out of a building zoned for medical practices and does not take insurance. The issues associated with opioid abuse do not change with private payers. Ongoing drug activity, crime, violence and co-morbid medical conditions are inextricably linked to opioid abuse and treatment. Introducing an opioid detox center in such proximity to elementary schools puts our children in danger.
Other locations in town need to be explored. A strategic plan to implement an alternative is imperative. If you would like more information you are most welcome and encouraged to meet with other concerned parents.”
From my experience as an EMS responder, I saw too many street drug users walk out of a hospital after being “Narcanned” – they were never treated for addiction – and to make addiction treatment more difficult to receive, by making the treatment centers less available, is just avoiding the problem…