Des Moines sobering center staying busy

A Des Moines center for substance abuse and mental health treatment has admitted over 30 people since opening last month, exceeding operators’ expectations.

Why it matters: Until recently, metro law enforcement had few places to take people facing addiction for help other than emergency rooms or jails.

  • Polk County supervisors and other metro officials modeled the location on “sobering centers” in other states credited with saving taxpayer money and reducing homelessness.

Zoom in: Two connected buildings previously used for human services in the 1900 block of Carpenter Avenue are part of a $5 million renovation that began about a year ago.

  • The Life Services Center side opened Nov. 18 and provides substance abuse and mental health treatment.
  • The other side, with an immigrant and refugee center, is expected to be completed in about a year.

State…

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