Gubernatorial citation is *not* an endorsement, O'M spokeswoman says
Rev. Milton Williams said he was “shocked and mesmerized” when a special delivery arrived Saturday morning containing a gubernatorial attaboy for an unorthodox methadone clinic his church plans to open in East Baltimore.
Why the surprise?
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s health department has not granted permission for the reverend to open the new facility, which will provide methadone to addicts within 15 minutes by ignoring some of the federal and state requirements for evaluation and treatment.
Williams, who already runs one traditional clinic in East Baltimore, kicked up a storm last week when told The Sun of his intentions to go forward with new program without the state’s blessing. He says he’s currently treating 650 patients and sees the new quick care option as a gateway to more traditional treatment.
Thomas Cargiulo, director of the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration expressed concern that the express clinic won’t give enough scrutiny to potential patients before offering treatment. Methadone is a schedule 2 narcotic.
Why the surprise?
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s health department has not granted permission for the reverend to open the new facility, which will provide methadone to addicts within 15 minutes by ignoring some of the federal and state requirements for evaluation and treatment.
Williams, who already runs one traditional clinic in East Baltimore, kicked up a storm last week when told The Sun of his intentions to go forward with new program without the state’s blessing. He says he’s currently treating 650 patients and sees the new quick care option as a gateway to more traditional treatment.
Thomas Cargiulo, director of the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration expressed concern that the express clinic won’t give enough scrutiny to potential patients before offering treatment. Methadone is a schedule 2 narcotic.
Dated Thursday, the citation offers “recognition of a special day to celebrate the historic ground breaking ceremony” for the Turning Point Clinic. The governor also extends “sincere best wishes for success.”
It’s printed on heavy paper with a gold seal, signed by O’Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Secretary of State John P. McDonough, and came in a black folder.
O’Malley spokeswoman Raquel Guillory said the citation is a routine courtesy and is “in no way an endorsement.” The governor wants the facility to succeed if, and only if, “he operates properly,” Guillory said.
It’s printed on heavy paper with a gold seal, signed by O’Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Secretary of State John P. McDonough, and came in a black folder.
O’Malley spokeswoman Raquel Guillory said the citation is a routine courtesy and is “in no way an endorsement.” The governor wants the facility to succeed if, and only if, “he operates properly,” Guillory said.
Comments
The "sincere best wishes for success" part doesn't signify an "endorsement" for the program??????
Posted by: Michelle Brown | June 25, 2011 4:13 PM
watch them leave the clinic, go the the corner bar, get on the bus and go to lexington market sell and buy drug, where is the help for the kids???????
Posted by: nita | June 25, 2011 7:12 PM
Have any of u even looked up the word METHADONE... what u see at Lexington Market is a small portion, of addicts that have not commit to change yet.
Posted by: Penny... | June 26, 2011 7:24 AM