PUEBLO- One year ago, Colorado lawmakers were looking at finding a solution to funding the Circle Program- a treatment program for drug and alcohol addiction formerly based out of the state’s mental health institute.
In June of 2017, the Circle Program shut down amid challenges with staffing at the state hospital.
A year and a half later, the program is finally seeing patients again.
Last week the Circle Program welcomed its first patients, all 16 beds in the program will be filled by the end of the month.
‘There were many advantages from being at the state hospital form the mental health standpoint,’ said Dr. Libby Stuyt, the Director of the Circle Program.
The biggest change is the program has a new home, away from the hospital and working alongside ‘Crossroads Turning Point Inc.’- an organization based in Pueblo.
A decision made by lawmakers during the 2018 session to move the program to ‘community based programs’.
‘I’m pleasantly surprised, I think it’s a really good relationship,’ said Stuyt.
Another change, the program only offers 16 beds instead of the 20 offered at the hospital.
