Treatment Center in Newport Will Help Rebuild Lives December 30, 2022 “I didn’t have a plan to die but I didn’t have a plan to live either,” said Gina Myers of Newport, describing her life before recovery from substance use disorder. Substance use disorder affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to the inability to control their use of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol or medications. Myers lost control of her life and custody of four children, but she found her way back to sobriety and to her family through a supportive and healing residential treatment program. She is now a certified drug and alcohol counselor and doula who specializes in helping pregnant women who are incarcerated. About Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services inLincoln County Giving hope to hundreds of people like Myers is a driving force behind opening the Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services center in Newport. The center will serve adults with substance use disorder from across Oregon, with priority given to residents of Lincoln County. “Oregon ranks second in the nation for substance use disorder and 50th for access to treatment programs,” said Lesley Ogden, MD, CEO of the two Samaritan hospitals in Lincoln County. “In our county alone, there are close to 900 people impacted by substance use disorder and our residents travel up to 300 miles for residential treatment. We hope to offer a healing and compassionate place for people to receive help, closer to home.” As a nonprofit health care provider, Samaritan does not turn anyone away for inability to pay or insurance type. Beginning in early 2024, Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services will offer a 16‑bed residential and outpatient treatment program, including group and individual therapy, medication‑assisted treatment and peer‑delivered services. The facility will model the successes of Samaritan’s treatmentfacility in Lebanon. The Pacific Communities Health District purchased the 4,700‑square‑foot property that will be home to the recovery center, while Samaritan Health Services will operate the program. North Lincoln Hospital Foundation and Pacific Communities Health District Foundation are spearheading the $6 million campaign to remodel the existing building and add space for critical services. Visit samhealth.org/SupportSTARSCoast for more information about this project and to learn how you can help.
