TOWANDA — Northern Tier Counseling Inc. held a dedication ceremony Friday, May 24, for its drug and alcohol health treatment center dedicated to State Rep. Tina Pickett.
NTC President Paul Denault explained that the grand opening was made possible not only by NTC staff, but also by the All-One Foundation, which awarded NTC an All-in-One grant to help bring the idea to fruition, and Tina Pickett, who created legislation that allowed for advances in drug and alcohol treatment.
The grand opening will also feature an NTC gym, trainers and nutritionists, as well as a variety of treatment and wellness programs to help those struggling with substance abuse.
Denault explained that the gym, trainers and nutritionists are part of a year-long controlled study in which some patients will have access to them during treatment, but not others, as a way for NTC to determine the impact on recovery.
Denault predicts positive outcomes, believing these additions will reduce depression and relapse and further improve the chances of recovery.
Denault said the $159,000 grant from the All One Foundation helped “strengthen the program,” hire professional counselors, trainers and nutritionists, and buy gym equipment and computers for the treatment program.
Pickett praised NTC and Dennoort, saying he “commends the operation” and that the work done at the facility has been “immeasurable.”
And there’s no need to wonder if Denault is “making a difference” for people struggling with substance abuse, she said, because he takes a creative, helpful approach to treatment.
