Salem has taken a significant step in addressing substance abuse with the opening of its first sobering center at Bridgeway Community Health. The center, located downtown, was unveiled on June 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of community members.
A Community Effort
The sobering center is part of a larger expansion at Bridgeway Plaza, which includes a new medical clinic and an expanded detox treatment facility. Carlos Texidor Maldonado, CEO of Bridgeway, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, emphasizing the center as a crucial first step in the journey to health and healing.
Construction of the $15 million expansion began in April 2024. The project was made possible through state funding, following years of advocacy by city officials and community leaders who identified the need for a sobering center as a priority for Salem.
Services Offered
The sobering center provides a safe environment for individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs to recover under supervision. It features recliner beds for six people and two private rooms. The center aims to offer an alternative to jail or hospital stays for those needing to sober up.
In addition to the sobering center, the first floor houses a pharmacy and primary care clinic. The second floor is dedicated to an expanded detox treatment program, increasing its capacity from 24 to 34 beds. This program offers medical observation and treatment for withdrawal from substances like alcohol, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescribed opiates.
Doug Cox, Bridgeway’s director of medical services, highlighted the importance of community partnerships in utilizing the center effectively. He noted that the facility provides a much-needed safe space for law enforcement and emergency responders to bring individuals willing to seek help.
Looking Ahead
The detox program is set to welcome clients starting June 22, with hopes that the sobering center will open as soon as possible. The initiative represents a collaborative effort to enhance public health and safety in Salem and the surrounding areas.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
