While there has been several stories about the opening of the much needed new triage center, some are wondering what the mission and goals will be for clients after they are released. We do know what the purpose of the center is and that it has received plenty of outside funding for construction, but many questions remain;
• How will operational costs be funded if there is a shortfall in insurance, donations and federal funding? Do county and city tax payers pick up the tab? This isn’t such a bad thing, because helping folks on the front end actually save taxpayers money on the back end. My frustration comes from not being open with us about that funding.
• Will all individuals be directed (triaged) to a safe transition after they leave? This is the biggest question, because we know that relapsing even for people who have a strong family and friends support network is high. What about those that were taken in from the streets? Where do they go post triage? Do we want The Link to become a revolving door?
While I support The Link, and think this facility is long overdue in our community, I believe the public needs to hear a real plan on how it will operate, who will fund it, and most importantly what we are doing with the clients after they leave.
“Do your thoughts continue and repeat a cycle Seed, growth, bloom, and seed againâ€
― Richard L. Ratliff