New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has granted a conditional license to PROMESA, Inc. to immediately start dispensing methadone at the Hispanics United of Buffalo (HUB) building at 254 Virginia Street.
Residents intend to tell Hispanics United of Buffalo that they do not want a methadone clinic in a residential neighborhood. Local groups and residents say that HUB failed to solicit or respect the views of their neighbors.
RALLY AGAINST METHADONE CLINIC IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 – 4:30 P.M.
254 Virginia Street
From the VETTE Block Club:
Hispanics United of Buffalo did not follow federal regulations of informing the surrounding community of their intention to open a methadone clinic at 254 Virginia Street and has set up a stigmatizing situation for patients seeking opioid treatment. The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has conditionally approved licensing of this clinic in spite of HUB’s violation of these rules and in spite of a recommendation by the Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health that this clinic not be operated in this location.
This clinic should not be placed on a residential corner, but moved to an appropriate facility, such as the Lakeshore Behavioral site at 951 Niagara Street. The Buffalo Common Council, the Erie County Legislature, and the Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health Ellery Reaves oppose the Virginia street location. Numerous neighbors and community organizations agree that this clinic is poorly suited for their neighborhood.