Opiate treatment clinic will go in Howe Center - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

The state has made a choice for a new opiate treatment center in Rutland. It will go into the Howe Center.

As recently as two weeks ago, the state was still looking to locate the clinic in a former gym on Granger Street. But that and other proposals met strong resistance from neighbors.

Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen says the Howe Center is in a commercial area, has ample parking and is affordable.

The state will work together with Rutland Regional Medical Center and Rutland Mental health. They hope to open the clinic by October.

The state and city have been working for more than a year to try to open a treatment facility to help combat the Rutland area's drug problem. The clinic will initially provide methadone to 50-70 patients, but will eventually be expanded to be a comprehensive drug treatment facility. The goal ultimately is to have six clinics around the state.

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