The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is holding two hearings Monday, July 25, allowing the public an opportunity to comment on a proposed opiate substitution treatment program in Renton.

Evergreen Treatment Services, which has been providing opioid substitution treatment in Seattle since 1982, is proposing a new clinic at 1412 SW 43rd Street in Renton. They currently operate a total of five clinics and have locations in Lacey and Hoquiam.

Evergreen Treatment Services provides access to essential health care for people dependent on opioids such as heroin and OxyContin by dispensing medication (such as methadone or buprenorphine) and providing case management, therapeutic treatment services and medical oversight. Recently, another facility that had been providing these services moved from Renton to Kent – leaving Renton without a treatment clinic.

Evergreen Treatment Services – South King County Clinic must be approved by DSHS, the Washington State Department of Health and federal Drug Enforcement and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administrations.

Two public hearings are scheduled in both King and Pierce counties Monday, July 25 at the following locations:

• Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue South, Renton. Sign-in begins at 1 p.m. and the hearing is from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.; and

• City of Milton Activity Center, 1000 Laurel St., Milton. Sign-in begins at 4 p.m. and the hearing is from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.