Two local entities are teaming up to help combat the drug problem on the Lakeshore. Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels says that Holy Family Memorial is joining CORE Treatment Services to look into creating an alcohol and drug assessment treatment facility, to “help individuals who may have a mental illness that is causing them to do drugs or alcohol, or if they have a drug addiction that they just can’t get out of.”
Nickels says there are stumbling blocks that prevent these individuals from receiving the care they need, including the cost, and locations. “When you talk about mental illness, it’s a very different ballgame,” Nickels explained. “ You can’t just walk into a hospital and ask for help….It’s very specialized.”
Plans are for a 16-bed facility to be located on Riverview Drive just to the north of Holy Family Memorial’s campus. To help renovate the facility, the group got a grant from the West Foundation for $350,000. Upon completion, this facility will be one of only five in the state with a qualified staff to help those with these specific needs. No specific date has been given for the opening.
