Clinic relocates, opens new doors

By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor

The Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic has a new place to call home.

Although the clinic began making the move in March from their former location at the Recovery Northwest building near Libby High School, Tuesday, June 5 marked the day for the clinic to open its new doors to the public. When Recovery Northwest went out of business in 2003, the Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic took over the building and began their treatment center. When the Lincoln County Community Health Center began constructing a new facility, their building on California Avenue seemed to be the ideal location for the FVCDC, according to FVCDC Clinical Services Coordinator Mark Clark. "We're pleased that we made the move," Clark said. The new building offered FVCDC the opportunity to buy the building, rather than lease the building, as they were doing at the former location. There are also more offices in the new structure and it's in a more accessible location, Clark explained. Approximately 50 community members took part in a tour of the new facility during the open house. Included in those taking the tour were several FVCDC board members and Lincoln County commissioners. Joann Illi, who currently sits on the FVCDC board and was past president of the board, was in attendance. According to Lincoln County Commissioner Marianne Roose, Illi "has played an instrumental role" in bringing the FVCDC to the new facility. "This is really exciting," Roose said about the clinic. "It provides a much-needed service to the community." As a treatment center, FVCDC provides intensive outpatient services and evaluations for citizens struggling with chemical dependency, Clark explained. The facility also offers court school for those charged with driving under the influence or individuals charged with a minor in possession. They also make referrals to inpatient facilities. There are currently four counselors and one administrative assistant at the Libby clinic. There are also satellite offices in Eureka, with two counselors and one administrative assistant, and Thompson Falls has one counselor and one administrative assistant, Clark said.

In an average month, the three offices see over 100 patients. All three facilities are satellite offices to the Kalispell Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic. Clark supervises both Lincoln and Sanders county facilities. Clark plans to incorporate more programs into the existing facilities in the area, including providing more programs for adolescents. Eureka will likely be implementing an adolescent program soon, Clark stated.