Bradford Health Services, one of the largest residential addiction treatment providers in Alabama, recently filed to oppose Longleaf Recovery and Wellness’ request to expand in Shelby County.

In a filing to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, representatives for Bradford say that Longleaf’s application for a State Health Plan adjustment to add 60 new substance use treatment beds in Shelby County is “untimely and premature.”

The filing adds that:

• The proposed countywide plan adjustment is inconsistent with the statewide need methodology adopted by the SHCC.
• There is no need for additional substance use beds, as evidenced by the State Health Plan.
• There is no need for additional substance use beds, as Bradford has adequate capacity to meet any existing needs and serves patients from Shelby County.
• Longleaf is not an appropriate party to provide the requested services.

But in its request, Longleaf points out that Shelby County residents seeking inpatient care have to travel to find help as it currently has no residential addiction treatment facilities.

“At Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, our goal has always been clear: expand access to high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment for Alabamians who need it most,” the company said in an email to AL.com Monday.

“That’s why we’ve proposed adding 60 new substance use treatment beds in Shelby County—a county that currently has no residential addiction treatment facilities.”

“Unfortunately, we are facing opposition to our proposal, arguing that no additional treatment beds are needed—even as state health officials acknowledge a severe shortage of substance use treatment resources across Alabama, a position that is supported by all available data,” the release continues.

“The Alabama State Health Plan identifies Substance Use Disorder as a health priority, and we stand ready to meet this need by providing life-saving care in a county that currently has no residential treatment options.”

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth wrote in a letter recently that he “fully support[s] this effort and encourage[s] swift adoption of Longleaf’s proposed plan.”

“The Alabama State Health Plan identifies Substance Use Disorder as a Health Priority for Alabama,” he wrote.

“Substance abuse and overdose challenge the already strained resources of our healthcare and law enforcement personnel.”

The SHCC will host a virtual public hearing tomorrow at 10 a.m. to make a final decision on adjustments to Longleaf’s plan.

If the plan is approved, Longleaf will then need to obtain a Certificate of Need (CON) from the state before the project progresses.

Efforts to reach Longleaf Recovery and Wellness and Bradford Health Services were not immediately successful.