Access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services in Madison, Wisconsin remains limited following the rejection of a major clinic proposal. Local officials and community members are now scrutinizing both the process and the priorities shaping care for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The Board of Health for Madison and Dane County recently declined a $2.4 million proposal from the CAYA Clinic to establish a new addiction treatment center on Madison’s east side. The proposal from CAYA’s founder and clinical director, Skye Boughman, was found to contain inaccurate information, including claims about staff diversity and partnerships that partners themselves disputed. The clinic’s proposal stated its leadership reflected the diversity of the local community, but all staff were listed as white. Boughman attributed the mistake to automated writing technology. In addition to questionable staffing claims, several listed partner organizations said they were named in the application without their knowledge or consent. Some were also incorrectly described as offering specific services.
These issues became public after Alder Sabrina Madison raised concerns about the lack of communication and coordination, especially because the proposed site was located in her district. Concerns were discussed during a Board of Health meeting, leading to both delays and increased scrutiny. Public commentary and board discussion revealed additional problems with transparency and accountability, particularly involving County Supervisor Rick Rose, who had a part-time role with CAYA at the time…