The nation along with the Stateline are in the grips of an opioid addiction crisis.

New England Towns Struggle With Opioid And Heroin Epidemic
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It's hard not to know anyone that hasn't been affected by this crisis. I personally have lost a couple of people close to me because of it.

A local mental health center would like to help in changing that by bringing a Methadone Clinic to Rockford.

Doctors at Mather Clinic hope that third times a charm. They've tried twice before, but this thrid time they were approved.

Dr. Rober Meyer, head Psychologist at Mathers Clinic, told mystateline.com:

"I understand that people think its terrible, scary and they don't want people like that around,"

It Mathers Clinic gets approval for a special use permit, they will change the vacant storefront at 5416 East State St. into a Methadone Clinic in Rockford. The clinic would be in the same plaza where Circuit City and other stores once occupied.

For those who may be unfamiliar, methadone clinics provide medication-based therapy for those who suffer from addiction to heroin or prescription drugs.

"It is using medical assistance to help people recover from opiates," said Dr. Meyer. "[We] meet their level of addiction. We bring down or stop the absolute craving for the opiate.  So they can think about other things, prioritize other things."

If approved the methadone clinic would have a doctor, nurse, and support staff on the premise. Plus they would be willing to expand if the need for it was there.

What may have stopped approval before is because some residents aren't comfortable with the thought of such a clinic being near businesses they frequent, or even their homes.

Dr. Meyer said:

"What they don't realize they have people like that around them all the time," "They just don't see them until they overdose."

Residents will have the opportunity to attend the public hearing where at that time can give their input on the matter. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 17th at City Hall in Council Chambers.

 

 

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