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PROPOSED SOCIAL DETOX PROGP, AJ~J PI EDI'IOiIT AREA ~IE~ITAL IiEALTH CEiITI-:RS ,qistory and [lackgronnd Information I. Throagh the use of Regional alcoholis~,~ funds aad State inpatient matching funds~ we were able to provide detoxification For 1 imlted nembers of alcohol ics during the years of 1971 - 1975. Ti~e detoxificatioas daring this period ,4ere provided through contracts with local physicians and local hospitals within the three counties served by tile Area Program. ~,lhen cut backs in State ~unds occurred in 1975 - 76, the detoxifi~ation program througi~ local contracts had ~o be discontinued. In 1975, the Area ~lental lealth Program did a needs assessment fol' detox- ification and drew up a proposal for a Social Detox Program which we hoped could be funded through Federal Title ×X funds. ,qowever, Title ×X funds were not available for the program. Daring 1975, a number of contacts and personal interviews were made in the tl~ree counties (Cabarrns, Stanly, and Union) to explore other social detox programs and to determine tile attitude of the communities toward this concept of detoxification.' I'hysic~ans, law enforce~lent personnel, hospital administrators, and oti~ers were interviewed. There was general agreement among those contacted that a social detox program would be a practical ,appropriate, and less expensive way to meet most of the need for deto×ification within tile three counties. 2. In tlovember of 1977, the Area ~lental Ilealth Program submitted an application for a ;ederal Operations Grant (HEYS), which included plans for al~ eight (8) bed social detox program. This Grant has been approved and funding is available [o initiate the program and provide some continuing suppor~ over tile next few years. 3. In the last session of tile ~lorth Carolina General Assembly, ltouse !~ill 802 was ratified and enacted into law. This bill provided for tile decrimenaliza~ion of alcohol ics and al lows them to nse alcohol ism as a defense for charges of public disruption, fi.B. 802 provides for law enforcemen[ officers to take pnblic intoxicants to a treatment facility rather than to arrest them and place them in jail. The Department of ltuman Resoerces and the Division of Hental ilealth and ~. R. have been instructed to assist in the implementation of the new law by identifying and providing appropriate services for peblic intoxicants within tile various commlei~ities of the State. 4. Effective socia] detox programs have already been developed by other Area Hental Health Programs. 7fhos~.in.opera~ioh in tile Uesterh R6gion are located in Charlotte, Gastonia, ¥/ilksboro, and ilendersonville. A social detox program is also in development at Salisbury. The largest and best known social detox program is the Severith Street Center in Charlotte. II. Piedmont Area's Reed For A Social Detox Facility and Estimates of Utilization 1. During the FY 1976 - 77, ti~ere were 157 admissions from our three counties to the :~lac~t Hountain Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center and tile I~roughton i!ospital at llorganton. Hinety percent of these admissions were for the purpose of detox- fication. Also, at tile request of Piedmont Area ~Iental Health Centers, the