A group of people is working to address the needs of the community by working to open a dual rehabilitation center in Alliance.
Alex Jines, one of the Co-Directors for the Sandhills Center for Hope, said that by opening this facility, they hope to serve the region by providing rehabilitation services locally.
“We are a dual, enhanced treatment center that has the continuity of care,” said Jines. “So, we start at a medical detox level. We have the ability to take someone all the way through to outpatient. The program itself is a higher level of care than anything we have in the Panhandle. It really addresses both addiction and mental health in a way that’s a lower level of care than a restricted floor unit.”
Jines explained that the group is currently working on fundraising to support the program. Some of the fundraising activities they are hosting include selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a silent auction, which will open July 1, a food booth at Heritage Days, a family kickball tournament on July 24 and serving at the Box Butte County Fair.
“We’ve been very blessed to have many local businesses reach out and give some items for that silent auction and show us a lot of support,” Jines said.
Another event they are planning is to host a 5K fun run/walk in partnership with Brewery 719, with a dinner to follow.
Jines explained that throughout her years of experience, she has seen the need for a dual rehabilitation center evolve.
“I have nine years of experience in working with substance abuse, and I worked at the residential treatment program here in town for eight years,” said Jines. “It’s one of those things where the drug problem in our area, not just Alliance, but the Panhandle, is very alive and well. I’ve met some of the coolest people who just happened to have been my patients over the years. I know that they’re not bad people.
“It’s really a field that has a big stigma to it, so we’re working to trying to detach that stigma and help personalize the people that we treat,” Jines said. “At HSI, we used to draw hearts around the writings of people who passed away, and I got very into opening this business because I put too many hearts on the wall. I’ve had too many patients die. I’ve watched too many go to prison. I know that the level of care that we are working on providing is only available once you get to the east side of the state.”
The closest facility to offer the level of treatment they are planning to provide is in Lincoln. She said seeing the need for these services inspired her to step up to the plate.
Nina Millwood and Shawnda Connor have been working with Jines to form the center. Jines hopes to break ground before the end of the year. She explained that they are working to build a facility, and are hoping to open in 2022.
“We are working on being extremely community focused,” said Jines. “Whether it be Alliance or some of the surrounding areas, some of the partnerships we are working on will help grow and sustain our small community, like working with local pharmacies, working with local butchers to be able to provide food. The whole plan of this is to support our area with a community-oriented, family-oriented practice. I just want to express gratitude. The community has been great to us. We appreciate their support.”
Jines explained that they are partnering with local law enforcement and other agencies to make the dual rehabilitation center a success.
People who are interested in supporting the center are encouraged to contact Jines at 308-723-1788, or by emailing them at sandhillstreatment2021@gmail.com.