Clinic for youngest opioid victims needs donations for sewer repair

Brigid’s Path, the state’s first crisis care nursery for drug-addicted newborns is set to begin treating infants by the end of October. Six babies a day were admitted to Ohio hospitals in 2015 for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a consequence of an escalating statewide opioid epidemic. CHRIS STEWART / STAFF

Brigid’s Path, the state’s first crisis care nursery for drug-addicted newborns is set to begin treating infants by the end of October. Six babies a day were admitted to Ohio hospitals in 2015 for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a consequence of an escalating statewide opioid epidemic. CHRIS STEWART / STAFF

Just as Brigid’s Path was set to begin treating the youngest victims of the opioid crisis, it learned of its own crisis.

The non-profit at 3601 S. Dixie Drive in Kettering discovered badly corroded drain lines — including the sewer line to a main across one of the region’s major thoroughfares.

It may cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, money that could be spent helping drug-exposed infants through withdrawal, said Jill Kingston, executive director.

RELATED: Kettering clinic for tiniest opioid victims sends first patient home

While all the drain lines have been replaced in the building and to the street, a monumental task remains.

But the public can help, said Nathan Patterson, vice president of Korrect Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, whose Korrect Family Foundation will be matching donations for up to half the cost of the repair.

Patterson estimates the job will cost between $40,000 to $70,000 and is needed because of chemical wastes from a former business in the building, he said.

“It wasn’t hazardous, but what they put down the drain basically rotted out everything,” he said.

RELATED: Addicted at birth

The fix is complicated by the building’s location and number of buried utilities, including electricity, that run under the road in front.

“The logistics of closing down the road and possibly digging across South Dixie and removing a wall is going to be pretty tough,” he said. “It’s going to be a significant repair.”

Meetings are scheduled this week with Kettering and Moraine officials on how best to approach the fix, which Patterson said should be completed within the month.

RELATED: 6 newborns a day hospitalized in Ohio for exposure to drugs in womb

Kingston and Patterson said the best way to donate is send funds directly to Brigid’s Path.

Patterson said the mission of Brigid’s Path aligns with the family foundation’s goals.

“They are helping the victims of the epidemic of drug abuse and heroin addiction in our society,” he said. “Kids don’t deserve what they’re ending up with.”


How to give

Check by mail:

Brigid’s Path

3601 S Dixie Drive

Kettering, OH 45439

Online:

https://brigidspath.org/donate-new/

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