MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A longtime Dane County detox program that has served thousands of people in crisis may close at the end of the year, causing concern among law enforcement, county officials, and health leaders.
On Wednesday, the Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee heard directly from Tellurian Behavioral Health and county leaders about the possible shutdown. Tellurian CEO Kevin Florek says despite decades of service, the financial reality has become impossible to ignore.
“I’ve been with Tellurian for 30-some years,” Florek said. “Detox is a contract we started in the 80s as a cost-effective alternative for folks that were incapacitated… Over the last 5 to 10 years, the cost for detox has skyrocketed. Nursing costs have gone off the charts. Our doctor costs have gone off the charts. And we just can’t afford to backfill that.”…