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Forum to discuss detox center scheduled for Dec. 10

Organizers of the effort to establish a detoxification center in Garfield County have arranged a forum inviting law enforcement, elected officials and others to discuss the next steps.

The forum will take place from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Garfield County Administrative Building, 108 Eighth St. in Glenwood Springs, in the commissioners meeting room.

“Over the last two years, the critical need for detoxification services in Garfield County has become clear,” organizers explain in a letter sent to would-be participants. “The lack of an appropriate detox program has risen to a high level of concern for health care providers, law enforcement leaders and elected officials.”



Representatives from Mind Springs Health, Valley View Hospital and Grand River Health Center met Nov. 9 with county commissioners to discuss the details of the proposal.

The plan would involve establishing a two-bed, overnight facility, most likely in Glenwood Springs, where someone who has not committed a crime or who doesn’t have a medical emergency can be brought to sober up and be put on a path to treatment. Valley View and Grand River have both committed to help fund the effort, as well as Garfield County.



“Multiple conversations between various stakeholders have taken place regarding the dire necessity for a plan,” organizers said in the letter.

County commissioners called for a community forum to further discuss and refine the proposal, which is modeled on Mind Springs’ detox facilities in neighboring counties.

The nonprofit mental health organization now operates five detox facilities on the Western Slope, including a 12-bed facility in Grand Junction, a six-bed facility in Frisco and two-bedroom facilities in both Aspen and Eagle County.

“There have been several unsuccessful attempts to address this issue in the past, therefore it is crucial to have all stakeholders involved in order to ensure this plan will succeed,” according to the letter, which was sent to law enforcement officials, municipal and county elected officials and human service agency officials.

For more information about the forum or to attend, contact Kara Mueller at kara.mueller@vvh.org or (970) 384-6614.


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