On Friday morning, a lone protester stood in Constitution Park, Castries, to voice her concerns about what she says is the closure of the Turning Point rehabilitation center.
As a recovering alcoholic and employee of the facility she says she is expressing her frustration and appealing for immediate government intervention to restore operations at the center. She chose to not provide St. Lucia Times with her name.
“This is not political,” she stated. “My job is on the line. My workplace is closed, and I need answers. Turning Point was once the only rehabilitation center in the Caribbean, helping people like me who were struggling with addiction.”
The protestor shared her personal story, explaining how Turning Point had helped her overcome alcoholism and later provided her with employment. “I don’t have the qualifications or education, but I’ve been able to give back by helping others who need support,” she said, visibly emotional.
She criticised the neglect of the facility, calling on the Ministry of Health and the government to take action. “Renovate our place and give us back our home,” she urged, referencing the state of the center.
“Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean need Turning Point,” the protestor added.
She concluded her remarks with a warning of continued action. “If I don’t get results, I will come back again. This is not the end.”
Since the woman’s protest the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) which is the umbrella body for Turning Point, issued the following statement:
The Millennium Heights Medical Complex would like to inform the public that the Turning Point Rehabilitation Center is open and functional. The Center continues to offer the following services:
- DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM
- REHABILITATION PROGRAM
- TRANSITIONAL DAY HOSPITAL PROGRAM
- OUT-PATIENT REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Our unwavering commitment to serving our community and clients became even more apparent after a visit and meeting with Pan American Health Organization, on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Saint Lucia. The visit sought principally to enhance our existing programs for improved service delivery.
Turning Point Rehabilitation Centre offers both inpatient and outpatient services for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. These programmes focus on recovery, therapy, and support to aid in rehabilitation.
The rehabilitation programme at Turning Point includes the following components:
* 12-Step Programme
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Life Skills Development
- Gym Activities
- Gardening Therapy
- NA/AA Meetings
- Outpatient Services
MHMC wishes to invite members of the community to capitalize on the services provided by the institution.
MHMC wishes to invite members of the community to capitalize on the services provided by the institution. For more information, you can visit the Secondary Care Hospital from Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or call 1 (758) 458-6454 / 1 (758) 714-5497 and Email: [email protected].
