Local resident urges Rockbridge supervisors to study methadone clinic to improve addiction treatment access

Allison Clark, who identified herself as a Rockbridge County resident in recovery and a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, asked the board to study the feasibility of establishing a local methadone clinic.

Clark told the board she had struggled with opioid addiction for years and credited methadone treatment with helping her remain sober for nearly two years. "Methadone completely changed my life and I've been sober for almost two years now," she said. Clark contrasted her experience with partial success on buprenorphine (referred to in the record as "Suboxin") and described daily-travel barriers: residents must often travel to Stanton, Verona, Roanoke, Lynchburg or Harrisonburg for clinic-based daily dosing, a barrier she said many cannot overcome.

She cited treatment retention figures and national clinical guidance, arguing that methadone maintenance has higher long-term retention rates for people with severe opioid dependence and that increased local access could reduce incarceration for addiction-related charges. Clark said she has drafted a needs assessment and asked county officials to help convene a task force; she said she plans to present the assessment to the board at the next meeting.

Board response: Supervisors thanked Clark for her testimony and staff did not take formal action during the meeting. Clark noted the local Community Services Board director declined participation, and she urged the board to pursue a cross‑agency review of feasibility, regulatory barriers and funding options.

Next steps: Clark said she will present the needs assessment at the next board meeting; the board did not schedule follow-up action during this session.