A brand new addiction treatment center has opened in Niagara County. Horizon Health Services held a ribbon cutting Thursday for Aurora Village Campus in Sanborn. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the new facility is just for women.
"And I stand here today so hopeful that we were able to get this building open - around two years, less than two years,” stated Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, commissioner, State Office Of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
In the midst of Opioid crisis, a new 25-bed, residential treatment has opened to help women to recover from addiction and other mental health disorders. Gonzalez-Sanchez appeared at the center. She said it’s a first of its kind facility in Western New York.
“Well you know a lot women don’t seek services because a lot of them are usually they have kids – they’re caregivers and they have families and they are single mothers – they don’t want to lose their kids and they feel that by reaching out they’re going to have their kids taken away, which is not true. It’s better to reach out and get the help earlier,” remarked Gonzalez-Sanchez.
Horizon president and CEO Anne Constantino tells WBFO News the facility has a number of amenities that includes a full gym, personal trainers and mental health clinic.
“People that come here – a primary diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder. Alcohol is still the number one drug of choice and the opioids of course and other drugs as well. Sometimes it’s as a result of drug use or just a stand-alone problem. People are also struggling with mental health problems and some physical problems.
The State provided $4-million for the facility and it will continue more on-going funding for operating costs. Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul said they are doing this across the state to tackle substance abuse.
“We’re having a more targeted, strategic approach to address the needs of certain populations and women certainly are one that needs to be treated very differently – in a different more secure environment. And I believe that this is going to be a first step for many women to be able to reclaim their lives, get over their issues here with the support of their families with also trained professionals,” said Hochul.
Residents are already living at the Aurora Village, receiving treatment to hopefully end their struggle with addiction and gain mental wellness.
