A once-controversial 24/7 north Phoenix methadone clinic that treats people with opioid use disorder has reached a détente with its neighbors.
Key to the truce is the lease of a large new clinic at a new location and a big change in operations at the existing one. While the clinic at 2301 W. Northern Ave. will stay open as a medication-assisted treatment center, it will no longer operate around the clock.
Owners from Arizona-based for-profit Community Medical Services within the next two weeks will move the Northern clinic’s 24/7 treatment services to a new location near Interstate 17 and Cactus Road.
The Cactus clinic’s opening led to a now friendly relationship between Community Medical Services and neighbors of the Northern clinic. Neighbors had been upset by constant vehicle and foot traffic at the site. Some complained that “bad actors,” among them drug dealers, were hanging around the clinic looking to prey on vulnerable clients.
“The change has been incredible. We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye,” said John Koch, director of community engagement for Community Medical Services.
Source: Arizona Republic
