A new state-sponsored substance abuse recovery center is expected to open next month in eastern Idaho.
The Post Register reports that the Center for Hope in Idaho Falls is expected to open in mid-July. It's the eighth such facility created in Idaho.
The effort to open the center began two years ago when the Idaho Association of Counties asked lawmakers to fund the facilities across the state. Along with the Center for Hope, recovery centers have been funded in Bannock, Kootenai and Nez Perce counties this year.
Center for Hope interim executive director Sandy Baiocco says the center aims to fill the gap in services for people just getting out of jail or leaving treatment from the regional behavioral health crisis center. The recovery center has a computer lab, community room and meeting room, and Baiocco says she's already had offers from people interested in hosting job skills classes, Alcoholic Anonymous meetings and other services at the center.