Harford Adolescent Addictions Services Moves From Main Street To Hays Street In Bel Air

From the Harford County Health Department:

On June 21, 2010, the Harford County Health Department Division of Addiction Services, Adolescent Substance Abuse will move from its current location at 5 N. Main Street in Bel Air to Suite 300 at 120 S. Hays Street in Bel Air, Maryland, 21014.

The relocation will cause no interruption in client services and now fully consolidates the Addictions services provided by the Health Department. Little more than a year ago, the Division operated out of five sites in the county, four of which were separately located in Bel Air due to a lack of space in any one facility.

The Adolescent Substance Abuse Unit provides substance abuse intervention and treatment services to adolescents age 12 through 18 or who are still in high school and who have chemical dependence and abuse problems. Individual, group, and family counseling sessions, in–school intervention as well as assessment throughout most middle and high schools in both public and private Harford County school systems are accessible through the program. Referrals may be made directly or through community agencies, while education and support services for families also are provided.

Intervention for problematic chemical use is available, whereby the intensity of treatment services is based on clinical assessment. After extensive evaluation, individuals can be placed in a level of care most appropriate to their needs according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Individuals may be admitted at one level and receive services along the continuum of care according to their progress and need. Early intervention and outpatient treatment services currently are offered through the program.

This relocation also further consolidates the number of buildings out of which the entire Health Department operates. Previously housed in no fewer than eleven different buildings throughout the county, five of which were in Bel Air, the Health Department now operates out of significantly fewer venues. States Health Officer Susan Kelly of the reduction in sites, “In response to severe budget cuts and staff reduction, and as part of cost-cutting strategies, the Health Department has consolidated operations in an effort to improve efficiency with existing resources, while minimizing the impact to clients.”

Services targeting youth are among a variety of comprehensive services offered through the Health Department’s Division of Addiction Services. Operational hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Friday from 8:00AM until 5:00 PM. For specific program information or to schedule appointments, contact the Harford County Health Department Division of Addictions Services at 410-877-2340 or for general information, visit the Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com or call 410-612-1781.