#United States #Birmingham #Longleaf Recovery #Bradford Health Services #Alabama Addiction

Longleaf Recovery & Wellness Takes a Stand Against Opposition to New Treatment Facility

In Birmingham, Alabama, the ongoing addiction crisis has prompted Longleaf Recovery & Wellness to respond to opposition from Bradford Health Services concerning their proposed 60-bed residential treatment facility in Shelby County. This move comes even after a majority vote approval by the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) and backing from Governor Kay Ivey, emphasizing a critical need for more treatment options in the state.

Longleaf's proposed facility is intended to combat Alabama's increasing struggles with addiction and overdose deaths, which have more than doubled since 2014. Despite the clear need for more resources, Bradford Health Services, which operates two of the only three state-approved residential providers in Alabama, has filed an objection against this essential expansion.

Colin Harris, the Founder and CEO of Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, stated, "This is not just about beds and facilities; this is about lives." His remarks underscore the importance of providing families in Alabama with local, high-quality care, free from the constraints of a market dominated by a single provider. He further expressed concern over the dangers of blocking new treatment options, describing such moves as both shortsighted and perilous.

The SHCC's earlier decision to approve Longleaf's expansion reflects recognition of the dramatic gaps in treatment accessibility, especially within Shelby County and its neighboring regions. Harris pointed out that the state has long been in dire need of expanded services, citing statistics that reveal families often travel hundreds of miles to receive adequate care or, tragically, give up entirely on finding help.

"Every month we wait is another month where families are struggling, driving vast distances for care that isn’t easily accessible," said Harris, emphasizing the dire urgency of the situation. Longleaf Recovery is dedicated to addressing these critical needs and remains undeterred by the opposition.

Longleaf actively encourages community involvement, reaching out to families, advocates, and individuals affected by addiction to support the facility’s expansion. The organization believes that public opinion is vital in ensuring that access to treatment options is preserved and that families are not left with singular, limited choices.

"Together, we can make sure that Alabama families have more than one option when seeking the care they desperately need," Harris urged, highlighting the collective effort required to combat the crisis.

Since its establishment in 2022, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness has focused on delivering compassionate, comprehensive outpatient and residential treatment for addiction and mental health issues throughout Alabama. Their mission is committed to advocating for increased options for life-saving treatment resources.

As the state grapples with escalating addiction challenges, the evolution of treatment facilities like Longleaf is crucial. The upcoming legal battles will test the resilience and commitment of those seeking to improve the lives of individuals suffering from addiction.

Many in the community stand in support of Longleaf, recognizing its role in providing necessary healthcare services in Alabama. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the wider implications of treatment access, the necessity of multiple care options, and the long-term goals of expanding resources for those in need.

Longleaf Recovery & Wellness remains hopeful for a ruling that favors the expansion, allowing them to fulfill their mission of offering essential care to those struggling with addiction in Alabama.

About Longleaf Recovery & Wellness

Founded in 2022, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness is dedicated to providing a spectrum of addiction and mental health treatments across Alabama, with an emphasis on compassionate, individualized care. The organization actively seeks to expand access to necessary treatment options statewide, ensuring that no family is left without the help they require.