New Ohio Drug Treatment Center Receives 30 Patients in First Week

Robert Haley, regional director of Choices, which opened May 1, said he was "very excited" by the response from the community and those seeking treatment for their addictions. He said two more people had appointments Monday afternoon for intake.

"Hopefully we can make a positive impact in terms of the criminal behaviors in the community," he said. "There is a need in the community."

Last year, the city's public safety departments responded to 532 overdoses, 74 of them fatal, according to city officials. Earlier this year, during a 26-hour span, there were 11 drug overdoses in Middletown, including five in one home, and paramedics administered Narcan to revive those who overdosed.

Middletown Vice Mayor Dora Bronston applauded the efforts of treatment centers like Choices.

"I hope some of our residents who need help from their drug addiction are able to come here and get the help they need," said Bronston, who added it's important to have a center in the city because some people with drug problems may have no transportation.

Bronston called the heroin epidemic "such a surprise" and it has impacted her family and friends.

"It touches whoever it's going to touch," she said.

Choices is located at 4421 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite A. Haley said Choices (Cognitive Healthcare Opportunities In Constructive Environmental Settings) has eight Ohio locations, and the ninth is expected to open in Springfield this summer, Haley said.

The center offers medication assisted treatment, individual therapy, case management services, intensive outpatient, substance abuse crisis intervention and drug testing.

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