LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A controversial opioid treatment facility in Lynnwood received the license it needs to provide its services from the Department of Health.
The Department of Health issued a behavioral health agency license to Acadia Health, despite pushback from some in the community.
Acadia Health, one of the largest treatment centers in the county, is relocating its Bothell facility to Lynnwood after the building was sold. Acadia previously said it currently has 100 patients within five minutes of the site in Lynnwood, adding there is a need in the area, citing 18% of overdose deaths come from Snohomish County.
Some people previously pushed back on the treatment clinic, with parents raising concern that it will be located near the Alderwood Boys & Girls Club.
Lynnwood City Council President George Hurst previously expressed concerns as well.
“They’re good but this is just the wrong place for it. If Lynnwood wants one or will have one and I think they should be, I'm thinking along Highway 99 in a light industrial area,” Hurst said.
Opioid treatment centers are considered essential public facilities. The city council said by state law there’s nothing they can do to stop it.
Acadia Health previously addressed safety concerns and said it hires security guards if needed. Bothell police said they aren’t often called to the clinic, but said they suspect they do not get called for minor offenses so they don’t scare people away who need help.
In a statement, the Department of Health said it recognizes there are concerns about the location of the clinic, however, "site approval is a role for local government, and the department has no role in that decision."
"This clinic is moving only a short distance from its previous location, and has hundreds of existing clients, many of whom live in community near the new location and need access to continued treatment. These clients are neighbors, family members, co-workers and friends who are working to stay in recovery."
