The drug treatment services now available at the former Broome Developmental Center are being credited for some signs of progress in dealing with the local opioid epidemic.

County Executive Jason Garnar said the facility is "playing a huge role" in the efforts to tackle the problem.

The services at the Town of Dickinson site are provided by Helio Health, which previously was called Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Garnar said hundreds of people have utilized the center since it opened about six months ago.

Garnar said the treatment provided by the facility has been "instrumental" in reducing overdose-related deaths.

The county executive indicated plans to provide longer-term treatment at the center are moving forward, suggesting an announcement about a new phase of services could come soon.

About $1.5 million a year in state funding is being provided to operate the Dickinson treatment program.

The drug treatment center is located in the southwest corner of the former Broome Development Center campus. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The drug treatment center is located in the southwest corner of the former Broome Development Center campus. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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