SWFAS to open new $9 million center

Southwest Florida Addiction Services' new building. COURTESY PHOTO Dedication of the first new detoxification center to be built in Lee County in more than 50 years is set for Thursday, Feb. 26, when Southwest Florida Addiction Services officially opens the doors of its new 40-bed Detoxification and Outpatient Treatment Center.

The ribbon-cutting is set for 10 a.m. at 3763 Evans Ave. on a 4-acre parcel adjacent to Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center that was donated by the City of Fort Myers under a long-term land lease. An open house for the public is slated for that day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Among those expected to participate in the ribbon-cutting are State Rep. Gary Aubuchon, Lee County Commissioner Bob Janes, Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey, Lee Memorial Health System President Jim Nathan, Southwest Florida Community Foundation President Julia East as well as The Kleist Family Foundation and Jim and Donna Sublett.

Each of the participants made large financial contributions to build the new center, which will replace the existing smaller Detoxification Center on Cleve- land Avenue that is housed in a converted motel built in the 1950s.

"We are very grateful to the many supporters who have demonstrated again and again their commitment to helping us help others," said SWFAS CEO Kevin B. Lewis. "During the current downturn in the economy, we continue to have individuals on our wait list for detoxification - and when we can't admit them, they often have no other options. Families need a place to turn in times of crisis."

About $6 million has been raised for the $9.5 million project, with room-naming opportunities still available. Lewis said interim financing has been arranged to enable SWFAS to complete the project while fund-raising continues.

While the population at risk has nearly tripled in the past 20 years, Lewis said the number of detox beds has decreased from 28 beds in 1984 to 25 beds in 2008, due to funding not keeping pace with area growth.

The new 44,000-square-foot facility also will include room for outpatient counseling and prevention services now located on McGregor Boulevard and SWFAS administration offices now located on Winkler Avenue. The McGregor Boulevard and Winkler Avenue offices will close within a few weeks of the opening of the new center.

SWFAS is the most comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention program in Southwest Florida, serving 6,000 people per year from ages 9 to 90. SWFAS is a United Way agency.