Narconon
®
Granted License From State Health Agency - 27 October 92
It's been described as controversial, weird, unsafe and
strange, but now Narconon Chilocco New Life Center can be called
licensed.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health issued a license
Monday to the drug and alcohol abuse center, marking the first
time since it opened for business more than two years ago that it
officially can be called legal. The president of Narconon
Chilocco called it a milestone.
The license issued Monday dealt with the structures and
buildings making up Narconon Chilocco, located on the campus of
the old Chilocco Indian school about six miles north of Newkirk.
The license is good for a year and can be renewed.
The center passed an inspection last week that looked at the
conditions of buildings and food and sanitary services to see
that fire safety and health codes are being met, said Brent
VanMeter, the health department's deputy commissioner for special
health services.
Gary Smith, president of Narconon Chilocco, said plans are
being made to get the center ready to accommodate as many as 75
patients at a time. "Receiving this license from the
department of health signifies a milestone in our desire and
original intention to supply drug and alcohol rehabilitation
services to those in need," he said. "Our purpose has
always been to help those with drug and alcohol problems.
"We are just very excited," Smith said.
Narconon Chilocco opened in February 1990. Its critics
questioned its ties with the Church of Scientology
®
and were
skeptical of its treatment plan that includes spending time in
saunas and taking special vitamins and supplements.
Members of the Oklahoma State Board of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services, before deciding a legal loophole
allowed the center to bypass board certification, called Narconon
Chilocco's treatment plan experimental and medically unsafe.
State licensing makes it easier for Narconon Chilocco or its
patients to get reimbursement for its services through insurance
companies. Smith said plans continue to be developed to double
the size of its patient beds, but no application would be filed
until after the center's census reaches and stays around 75
patients.
The center had 14 patients Monday, Smith said. Most of the
patients were from various Indian tribes. Narconon Chilocco has
limited treatment primarily to Indians since the mental health
board voted not to certify its treatment plan last December and
while various court appeals and cases were pending.
Smith said he is unsure when the center will reach capacity.
Narconon Chilocco's program lasts about three months and costs
$22,750. State licensing became possible after the mental health
board in August granted Narconon Chilocco an exemption from
certification because its program was accredited by a private
agency, the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities.
The accreditation runs through June 1993 and the exemption
from mental health board certification will continue as long as
Narconon Chilocco is accredited by the commission.
Newkirk Mayor Garry Bilger said a majority of residents in
town still challenge the center's effectiveness and purpose.
The name "Narconon"® is trademarked to the Scientology
organization through one of their many front groups. The name
"Scientology"® is also trademarked to the "Church"
of Scientology. Neither this web page, nor this web site, nor any of the
individuals mentioned herein assisting to educate the public about the
dangers of the Narconon scam are members of or representitives of the
Scientology organization.
If you or a loved one needs help -- real help -- there are
a number of rehabilitation programs you can contact. The real
Narcotics Anonymous organization
can get you in touch with real people who can help you.
Click [HERE] to visit Narcotics
Anonymous's web site. Narcotics Anonymous's telephone number is
1 (818) 773-9999.
Return to The NarCONon exposure's main Index page.
Forward: For a systematic, detailed, professional exposure of
Scientology's "Narconon" front group, visit the
Narconon Exposed web site.
By Michael McNutt, Enid Bureau
Daily Oklahoman
Tuesday, October 27, 1992
The views and opinions stated within this web page are those of the author
or authors which wrote them and may not reflect the views and opinions of
the ISP or account user which hosts the web page. The opinions may or may
not be those of the Chairman of The Skeptic Tank.