State suspends admissions at Guilford County treatment center
From Guilford Center news release,* 08/20/2008:
The Guilford Center received notification on August 15, 2008 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section, that the Guilford County Substance Abuse Treatment Center at 5209 West Wendover Avenue, High Point, had been issued two Type A Administrative Penalties for violation of North Carolina General Statutes related to Medication Requirements and Facility Design and Equipment, and a Type B violation related to staff issues. These findings resulted from an onsite Annual Survey completed on June 19, 2008…
The County’s new drug and alcohol treatment center opened in June. At the time that Bridgeway opened, Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk Perkins said, “This treatment center is a key component in the Guilford County Substance Abuse System of Excellence, an integrative, system-wide approacn to addressing addictive disorders. It is our hope that Guilford County will become a model for other communities across North Carolina.”
I only know a couple of people who have been at Bridgeway — both outpatient. One did about 30 days and chose to leave before finishing treatment. But he was very pleased with the program and the staff. Another person is still in the outpatient program and is completely satisfied. I haven’t heard anything negative about Bridgeway, and that’s actually unusual. (Usually somebody has something bad to say about everybody.) My understanding is that all of Bridgeway’s programs have been full since they opened. (Different programs opened at different times.)
It’s definitely frustrating to hear that admissions have been suspended, but frankly, none of the addicts I know (and there are a lot of them) have been open to going to treatment lately anyway.** I don’t know what it is, but nobody even wants to have the discussion.
*I received this via email earlier this morning and replied to ask if it was public information. I haven’t heard back yet (I received an email after posting, saying “yes,” it’s public info), but the News & Record now has a story up, so I guess it’s OK to post it.
**Update, 08/21/08: A homeless friend contacted me yesterday evening. He’s ready for treatment. Obviously, Bridgeway’s not an option at the moment. But I referred him to a case manager friend who can hopefully find him a spot somewhere. So hey, good news amongst the not-so-good news, right? 
UPDATE, 09/24/2008: Bridgeway passed inspection and will reopen admissions soon. More here.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
[...] passed a state inspection and will be able to start admitting new clients again within 10 days. Admissions were suspended last month when inspectors found violations at the facility. This is great news and I’m very glad to [...]
August 21st, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I’d like to learn more about your organization, Wayne. I’ll give you a call. Thanks.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I’m glad to learn of some successes at the Guilford center. Those of us in the recovering community are waiting because frankly we don’t have much faith in the Bridgeway idea. We work with desperate people daily. We HAVE sucess and see it working every day. Michelle, I would like to invite you to visit us and see REAl recovery. Please call me at 215-4773. I would like to show you our work and it isn;t costing Guilford County one dime. Wayne Stutts
August 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pm
A Guilford Center source says:
Again, I’ve heard good things about Bridgeway from those who’ve been there.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Will Bridgway Health pay the $1,500 fine or will Guilford taxpayers pay the fine and does this fine go to the schools? Plus the place seems to be run like crack-heads not a rehab of healthy recovery. Christine