WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The city of Bloomington is proposing a ban on new addictions treatment facilities.
The drafted ordinance would place a moratorium on the further development of rehab facilities within city limits. According to a press release from the city, the ordinance was written after meeting with representatives from for-profit and non-profit treatment centers in the Bloomington area.
Ordinance 18-14 blocks any additional treatment centers from opening up in the city for one year. That time would reportedly be used to develop regulatory policies over further treatment centers. City of Bloomington Public Engagement Director Mary Catherine Carmichael said the move makes sure those seeking treatment in Bloomington are able to acquire adequate care and avoid predatory practices.
Carmichael said the Bloomington Common Council and Mayor John Hamilton’s Office are concerned about the unregulated expansion of addiction centers. In the press release, Mayor Hamilton wrote, “This is one of those situations where a rapidly developing industry is outpacing regulation, and we don’t want anyone to fall into the breach.”
Addictions and public health advocacy groups, including the non-profit Indiana Recovery Alliance, said the proposed moratorium would be detrimental to the community, particularly during the greatest drug epidemic in American history.
In a press release, the IRA wrote, “We are in the midst of an opioid syndemic, and misguided policies, such as this ordinance, will ultimately deny vital services to those who are most at risk… Our silence on this matter literally equals death.”
Carmichael said this is not a move by the city to shut down all of its addiction treatment centers, and that the ban would not impact existing treatment facilities.
The bill will have to undergo three rounds of voting and revision, before being submitted to Mayor John Hamilton for final approval. The city’s Plan Commission will vote over the moratorium on June 11. If approved, the bill will go to the Bloomington Common Council for review on June 13, with a final vote will also go through the council on June 20.
