BLACK MOUNTAIN — The Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center celebrated 50 years of recovery services for residents of western North Carolina with a community event held Sept. 21.
“Substance use disorder is a disease — much like diabetes or high blood pressure — and it’s wreaking havoc on hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families across North Carolina. The good news is that treatment works, recovery happens and individuals can re-engage in their lives, families, jobs and communities,” said Kody H. Kinsley, DHHS Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. “The Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center has long been a leader in providing evidence-based and life-saving treatment and is committed to continuing a legacy of service to North Carolinians.”
The celebration commemorated the anniversary with a community-focused day, including remarks by Kinsley, Julian F. Keith Center Director and CEO Erin Bowman, Buncombe County Sheriff Chief Deputy Don Eberhardt, community providers and individuals in recovery. Attendees were treated to family-friendly entertainment, the JackTown Ramblers band, a Julian F. Keith historical exhibit and recovery resource booths.
“We want today to be a celebration of all of those people who so courageously decided to take the first step and get help,” said Bowman. “Today would not be possible without those brave people, dedicated staff and the amazing community in western North Carolina.”
The center opened in 1969 and is one of three state-run alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers. Over the years, Julian F. Keith has treated over 60,000 people. The center houses 68 beds and employs more than 200 professionals. The facility offers inpatient treatment, psychiatric stabilization and medical detoxification and serves those with substance use and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Upon completing a course of treatment, individuals are prepared for ongoing community-based treatment and recovery.
Admission to the center is available to any adult, regardless of financial resources or insurance status. Individuals pay on a sliding scale according to their income. North Carolina law provides for two types of admission procedures: voluntary and involuntary. Those in need can get help by contacting their Local Management Entity-Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) for assistance with treatment or recovery. To find out which LME/MCO serves your county, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory.
For more information about the Julian F. Keith ADATC, please visit online at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsohf/julian-f-keith-alcohol-and-drug-abuse-treatment-center.