METHADONE CLINIC WILL OPEN IN BURLINGTON

Heroin Treatment Coming To Howard In January

The Howard Center for Human Services plans to open a methadone clinic in
Vermont in January, the first since the Legislature voted last year to
allow the heroin-treatment programs in the state.

The Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury would provide medical oversight.
The state mandated that methadone clinics could be opened only if operated
by a hospital or medical school.

The center has begun "preliminary discussions" with Fletcher Allen Health
Care in Burlington about locating the clinic on its campus, said Todd
Centybear, executive director of The Howard Center. The clinic would serve
Chittenden County.

"Clearly the greater Burlington area is where the volume is," Centybear
said. The Burlington-based Howard Center says the number of people in
Vermont seeking treatment for heroin abuse doubled between 1999 and 2001 to
more than 600.

Centybear said the Vermont Department of Health approached the Howard
Center last month about possibly opening the first clinic. "No one has
stepped forward," he said. "No one wants to be the first." The clinic
could serve 40 clients within its first three months.

Advocates say methadone eases the symptoms addicts feel when they begin to
crave heroin. Opponents, including Gov. Howard Dean, have said the clinics
can attract crime and simply substitute one drug for another. Vermont
addicts seeking methadone are driving as far as eight hours round-trip to a
clinic in Greenfield, Mass.

Dean, a medical doctor, comprised Legislature in 200, allowing methadone in
a controlled environment and not for take-home use. Dean could not be
reached for comment.

"It's absolutely wonderful, but it's so late in coming," said Ruby Gibson
of South Burlington. Her son, Shawn Gibson, was jailed for violation of
probation for possessing illegal drugs after a woman was found dead in his
bedroom July 31. He had been traveling daily to Greenfield for methadone.

Methadone advocate Alice Diorio of East Dummerston said a clinic will not
attract crime.

"These are our neighbors, our friends. They're not from another planet,"
Diorio said. "Most people are so grateful to have their life back, there
will be no problem."

Burlington police Chief Alana Ennis said she's not worried about the clinic
if it's run properly. "I think it will be fine if it's in a hospital
setting," she said.

Fletcher Allen spokesman Mike Noble said the hospital is committed to
working with the state on the plan.

"It's a space issue," he said. The hospital is expanding its medical
center off Colchester Avenue, and the University Health Center is at
capacity. Noble said Fletcher Allen and Howard staff will meet in the near
future to discuss location.

Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle said the clinic should be at the
hospital. "I think it makes good medical sense, but it also makes good
community sense," he said.

Clavelle said the clinic is overdue. "I'm a little befuddled that almost
two years later we're still in the talking stages," he said.