Hospitals across Dane County continue to see an increase in individuals seeking addiction treatment, according to The Cap Times. UnityPoint Health-Meriter saw 200 patients in their walk-in clinic during 2023, 272 patients in 2024 and have so far seen 214 patients this year. The hospital expects the final number for 2025 to be the largest yet, according to the Cap Times.
This situation is unfolding as the only detox program in Dane County, Tellurian Behavioral Health, potentially faces closure due to financing issues, according to WMTV15 News. The Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee met with Tellurian and county officials on the topic of a possible shutdown as Tullurian lost over $750,000 last year to the detox program, according to WMTV15 News.
This puts potential pressure on three of Madison’s hospitals and law enforcement, according to Madison Recovery Center’s CEO and co-founder, Jack McKenzie. Madison Recovery Center is a local initiative that provides several services to those facing alcohol or drug addiction, according to their website…