BISAC taking referrals in West Hawaii again

People seeking treatment for addiction in West Hawaii have another option again.

The Big Island Substance Abuse Council is reopening its Kealakekua office next month, 18 months after it closed that site and one in Waimea.

Dr. Katherine May, the behavioral health care manager, who is overseeing the program in West Hawaii, said the office began taking referrals for assessments Wednesday.

“The feedback from the community has been really positive,” May said, adding people often approached her and asked when BISAC would open on the west side of the island again. “It feels good to be back.”

BISAC is one of several resources for people with substance abuse problems, May said, and she appreciates how the various agencies and groups work together, helping each other find the right program and treatment plan for their clients.

“It isn’t just BISAC that makes a change on its own,” she said. “It’s important for us all to be available for all clients. The key thing is access is as easy as possible.”

BISAC will continue to offer free assessments. The West Hawaii program — an intensive outpatient program — is for adults. People who need residential services may still be referred to East Hawaii programs, where there is housing for women and children, as well as men.

BISAC is the oldest substance abuse treatment organization on the island. It closed the Kona and Waimea offices last year after a significant funding cut. The organization now is working more with insurance companies to get reimbursement for services, she said.

The Kona office will be open full time, with a handful of staff members.

BISAC’s Kona office is located in Kealakekua, across Halekii Street from Big Island Drug Court. The phone number is 322-3100.

Email Erin Miller at emiller@westhawaiitoday.com.