A Helping Hand in Addiction Recovery
Council President Zach Klein Sponsors Legislation for Substance Abuse Treatment Center
[COLUMBUS-OH] “We have to be progressive and aggressive in how we address addiction,” said Council President Zach Klein.
Columbus City Council will vote on ordinance 1733-2016 to provide Alvis, Inc. with $250,000 to renovate a facility on 1289-1293 Livingston Ave into a treatment center for victims of substance abuse and human trafficking.
“We need to take a comprehensive approach to address heroin and opioid abuse in our community,” Klein said. “Our long term goal is tackling the root of the problem by treating substance abuse.”
According to the Ohio Department of Health, a record 2,482 Ohioans died of drug-related deaths in 2014 with 47% of those deaths involving heroin. In Franklin County this year, the average age of those who died from a heroin overdose is 39-years-old.
"We are so grateful for the support from the City of Columbus that will help Alvis to renovate a former physician's office on Livingston Avenue so we can expand substance abuse treatment services for men and women," said Denise M. Robinson, President and CEO of Alvis. "We have outgrown the building where we are currently providing these services, so it is a relief to know more individuals will be able to get the treatment they need."
The center’s Choices program works to improve the overall health, welfare and strength of the community, and includes financial literacy, workforce development and education.
"Alvis is an agent of change with a record of success and making a positive impact on the community," Robinson continued. "Our programs reduce recidivism, combat substance abuse, and turn lives around."
Each year, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction releases recidivism data on individuals who participated in community corrections programs. Three years after program completion, 79% of Alvis clients remained out of the criminal justice system, compared to a national average success rate of 56%.
Renovations on the facility are estimated to begin October 1, 2016.
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