It may take a little while before a new treatment center, which will be located in Nome, can be started by the Norton Sound Health Corporation, given an estimated amount of $18 million for the construction. However, since 35 percent of the whole building's design has been finished already, NSHC CEO Angie Gorn revealed that the project is underway for an intensive facility, intended for people with drug-related problems across the Bering Strait Region. According to Gorn, the said region is in need of its own place to assist those who are dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, suicide and historical trauma.
It seems that Gorn is referring to Liitfik Wellness and Treatment Center, a place for people to detox and for those whose conditions require intensive outpatient therapy, Knom reported.
Liitfik Program Developer, Myra Murphy, noted that the main objective is to put all these related services in just one roof in order to make it easier for the patients to get the needed continuing assistance, the moment they are done with the detoxification. Considering the increasing number of patients, Murphy believes that is it indeed very urgent. With this facility, Murphy added that those who are trying to remain sober in their communities may come to the nearest Nome instead of going to other distant treatment facilities. For people who must leave the region due to the need for a more intense level of support, Murphy said that the center can be provided for this requirement.
The initial design drawings for the center have been done a couple of years ago by Bettisworth North, and they are currently in the last phase of the design. Gorn is hoping that they will be able to have the project done in the following year. However, with no allocated funds, Gorn admits to the absence of a final timeline for the construction, Alaska Public reported.
