Chicago alderman, elected state officials, local law enforcement representatives and West Side community activists were among those touring the Gateway Foundation's Alcohol and Drug Rehab's Westside Treatment Center on March 20.
"This diverse group came together to celebrate the renewal of Gateway's partnership with political and civil leaders on behalf of persons and families needing culturally appropriate behavioral health care services in Chicago's Westside," said Nick Gantes, Vice President of Gateway's Community Services Division.
Those touring Gateway's treatment center included Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, (4th) the Democratic Candidate for Cook County Board President, Ald. Sharon Dixon, (24th), Ald. Ed. Smith, (28th), Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., (27th), State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Al Riley (38th Dist.).
They were joined by Brian Sexton, Deputy Chief, Narcotics Bureau, and Cook County States Attorneys' Office. Sgt. Davina Loggin, Chicago Police Department 11th Dist. CAPS, as well as several representatives from Citizens for a Better Westside and other advocacy groups.
"Many expressed their gratitude for the effective substance abuse treatment given to families, neighbors and constituents," said Sally Thoren, Gateway's Westside Facility Executive Director. "They recognize that providing accessible, affordable, and professional rehab programs to our community is vital."
The Westside facility, located four miles from the Loop, offers a residential campus that provides the following programs: Male Adult -- Residential and Day Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment, Co-ed Dual Diagnosis -- Residential and Day Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment, Male Teen -- Residential and Day Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment.
In addition to this Westside facility, Gateway Alcohol and Drug Rehab operates eight other treatment centers located in Chicago and throughout the state. It is the largest provider of adult and teen substance abuse treatment in Illinois serving more than 29,000 clients per year.
Gateway works hand-in-hand with healthcare providers, insurance companies, local communities, schools, businesses and government agencies to respond to the ever-changing needs of people seeking drug rehab and alcohol treatment It employs a staff of experts, including physicians, psychologists, nurses and certified substance abuse counselors who use evidence-based treatment plans tailored specifically to each patient. Gateway provides effective and efficient treatment to reduce the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, as well as frequently co-occurring mental health problems.