Faith-based drug clinic opening in LaPorte to help substance abusers

Frontline Foundations has been operating a clinic in Valparaiso since 2007, and in 2009 opened a facility in Chesterton, communities that for years also have grappled with heroin use.

More than $50,000 has been donated to cover the first year’s operating expenses from sources such as the LaPorte County prosecutor’s office, Bethany Lutheran Church and the LaPorte mayor’s office.

The community is also taking care of the cost of remodeling the building that will house the clinic.

“We’re just very blessed and very grateful,” Frazier said.

A plea for the clinic operators to open a site in LaPorte came in January when Amber Hensell-Hicks, executive director of the nonprofit organization, gave a presentation here about the clinic.

Community members believe the clinic will reach more users of heroin and other substances who either cannot afford the services at other facilities or drive to places as far away as Gary to obtain methadone, a controlled substance that eases withdrawal to help overcome addiction.