Port Jervis methadone clinic resistance

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 2/28/18

PORT JERVIS, NY — After Cornerstone Family Healthcare held a meeting about the proposed methadone clinic with Port Jervis residents in the Salvation Army premises, city council member Kirsty …

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Port Jervis methadone clinic resistance

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PORT JERVIS, NY — After Cornerstone Family Healthcare held a meeting about the proposed methadone clinic with Port Jervis residents in the Salvation Army premises, city council member Kirsty Trovei read a statement in the council’s Monday February 26 meeting.

She said, “With regards to our meeting with the Cornerstone facility, I would like to say nobody disputes there’s a need to help those in need of recovery. What concerns our residents is why the location they seek is in a residential and business district. This has caused an atmosphere of unease in our community. It is paramount the facility is put near a medical facility, and not in a prime residential area. Our mayor, numerous city officials and city employees had attempted to assist Cornerstone, suggesting a location. They have been awfully cunning and dishonest while secretly trying to find a way into our community. This has not been transparent.”

Linda Muller, CEO and president of Cornerstone, asked for a respectful conversation. Residents and Mayor Kelly Decker asked pointed questions. Muller said, “We are transparent and honest and only think of our patients. We want to rehabilitate them back to their families and community. Tell us where to go. The best place to go.”

The planned clinic will serve about 200 recovering addicts, including non-residents, although Muller could not say how many from outside Port Jervis. The meeting was live on Facebook, with many comments posted. Jessica Southard wrote, “The big problem is it may not help our community members who need it. Cornerstone has said repeatedly Port Jervis residents are not guaranteed a spot. Yes, those currently in the program may be able to come here, but anyone new to the program will go wherever spots are available. So instead of just treating Port Jervis people, this clinic would bring in 200 to 250 more addicts, some who are court-mandated to be there, do not want help and will cause crime.”

Muller said that Cornerstone takes a holistic approach, including counseling. “It’s not just a pill,” she said. “Many started their addiction with pain medication. It’s a long-term medication, not a cure; it’s a disease.” She compared the treatment to diabetic and blood pressure medication.

William Mann wrote on Facebook, “The government fuels the problem and then tries to develop the cure, see the connection here...”

Julie Schwerer added, “Big Pharma wins again. They created the problem then fix it with more pharmaceuticals.”

Muller also stressed nobody makes money from the non-profit.

Mayor Decker said, “It’s no attack, but when I made the comment about making money, I’m not talking about individuals making money, I’m talking about business. People do make money off this. You get a salary as CEO, and are also helping people. There is money to be made.”

Decker asked her to state how much she and other officials make, including bonuses and benefits. Muller told anyone to check Form 990 that has public access. During the course of the meeting, councilwoman Maria Mann posted a screenshot of Form 990. It said Muller makes $368,200.

A resident asked, “What else are you bringing to the community besides methadone? I have used and sold methadone. [Are you bringing] anything that doesn’t make profit, makes a positive effect for kids in the community? What safety, positive aspect do you provide?”

Muller replied, “We’re a medical practice.”

In another exchange on the live feed on Facebook, those who listened commented on whether addiction is a disease or whether it’s chosen. Some objected to the comparison to diabetes and other diseases.

Mann wrote, “Can’t happen to just anyone, have to correct you. It’s made by choice, not a disease as its labeled and seems like most people don’t think the way you do.... But I don’t think anyone has said it’s not needed, just not in the middle of this city, maybe somewhere on the outskirts....”

Kristen Stafford commented online, “Let’s be honest, this is simply about the clinic turning a profit. It will not be opening to provide care to the population of opioid users in a charitable/benevolent manner.”

Nick Baker wrote, “I lost my buddy Alex Dain from Methadone Overdose. We don’t need it.”

Decker spoke up in the meeting. He said he went to their facility about three-and-a-half years ago and was very impressed. He said he still firmly believes in this treatment. “I believe also in rehab through psychological work. The majority of the people in your treatment facility have used narcotics in a way they shouldn’t have. We want to treat them here, in smaller numbers.”

He addressed Muller directly, saying, “I didn’t get answers to my questions from our meeting.” Muller said they’re coming.

Decker advised, “Look at a smaller facility. Keep it out of the residential district.”

port jervis, opioids

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