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Fighting addiction in Niagara County: "They're spiraling downward"

Posted at 6:35 PM, Sep 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-12 18:35:44-04

Clearview Treatment Services at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston is set to add eight new inpatient treatment beds after receiving a major grant from New York State.

The Clearview program has provided support to patients struggling with addiction since 1986 and now the majority of patients struggle with opioids and heroin. There are currently 22 beds at Clearview and the facility sees an average wait list of 10 to 14 people.

With an $825,200 grant from New York State, the hospital will add eight beds and make renovations to the Clearview facilities.

"Their mission is to treat the entire individual, not just the addiction," NYS Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said as he announced the funding Tuesday.

"We know the numbers. We know the deaths. Until those numbers go down folks, our job is not done," NYS Senator Rob Ortt said. "Until everyone who needs treatment is getting treatment, we keep up the fight."

Karen Hogan is the director of Clearview Services and explained the patients receiving treatment there have usually tried every other option.

"When they're in active addiction, they're spiraling downward. By the time you come to Clearview, you're pretty sick." she said. "They've had numerous treatment failures in outpatient and in inpatient. They've been in and out of detox. They're physically and mentally ill."

The new beds will be available for patients in about two weeks, according to a hospital spokesperson. Construction on the entire project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.