Tampa Recovery Facility Opens To Help Former Inmates Break Addiction Cycle

The Orient Wellness Center opened its doors in Hillsborough County on Jan. 26. It offers substance use and mental health treatment for people leaving jail. The 23,000-square-foot building can hold 85 people at once, with 75 beds for men and 10 for women.

Phoenix House Florida runs the center in partnership with the county. Officials will start accepting clients on Feb. 2.

The building sits across the street from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

"The period immediately after release from jail is one of the most vulnerable times in a person's life. Without support, people are at high risk of relapse, overdose, and returning to the same patterns that brought them into contact with the system," said Maria Alvarez, CEO and president of Phoenix House Florida, according to Bay News 9.

John Cunningham, who is nearing 10 years of sobriety, completed three months at a Phoenix House program. "We're able to help people and help families find long-term sobriety and help. And I think what this center means, it means more access, more lives saved, and more people that get a second chance just like me," said Cunningham.

Patients will get 90 to 120 days of treatment covered by the county healthcare plan. Services include individualized treatment planning, group counseling, life-skills development, health education, family support services, recreational therapy, and case management focused on long-term recovery.

Staff will also help clients find stable housing and jobs.

The center expects to treat more than 300 people over the course of a year. Program Director Jessica Gerstein said treatment spaces for men and women will stay separate throughout their stay.

Mark Urbanski graduated from the Phoenix House Florida program 34 years ago. He now serves on the board of directors. "They'll be given the same opportunity that many others who've come before who're now highly successful, highly functioning, wonderful members of society," he said to Fox 13 News.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reports crime has dropped more than 12% in the past year. Officials said the center will help cut down on repeat offenses and improve public safety.

American Rescue Plan dollars funded the $4.7 million building. Admissions are accepted on a case-by-case basis, with walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Staff hope this pilot program will expand to other counties and states.