Local organization making plans for Detox Center in Toccoa-Stephens County

A local organization has set its sight on opening a Detox Center in Toccoa-Stephens County.

Still in the very early stages, Stephens County Mental Health and Addiction Alliance is looking at opening a free, medically assisted Detox Center to help combat the opioid crisis that continues to negatively impact the residents of Stephens County.

According to Alliance Co-Chair Steve Paysen, the group has started facilitating talks with medical professionals and other agencies to help the Mental Health and Addiction Alliance realize its goal.

At this time, the group has looked at several possible locations to house the center; however, Paysen said no decision has been made for a specific location.

The Stephens County Mental Health and Addiction Alliance received a million-dollar grant earlier this year to fund a portion of the initiatives that have been developed to protect the community from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers, and to reduce the number of opioid-related deaths in Stephens County.

At its core, the group is focused on bringing awareness to the community, while making Stephens County healthier, safer, stronger, and drug free.

For additional information regarding the Stephens County Mental Health and Addiction Alliance contact Co-Chair Kathy Whitmire at 706-491-3493.