BEAUMONT, Texas — A drug and alcohol rehab facility could be coming to the former Beaumont Health Department on Washington Boulevard.
Today, the Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to issue a permit for the facility.
Shalom Health Care Centers would run the rehab center at this location. The company has several offices in the Houston area.
Dr. Aijaz Ali Khowaja, the organization's chairman, said there's not a lot of affordable services for people needing alcohol and drug rehabilitation in Southeast Texas.
"It's to provide access to individuals who have challenges and problems with drug addiction."
Patients would stay overnight from three to five days in detox and 12 to 15 days in follow-up residential care.
Khowaja said the detox facility will have eight beds in addition to the 16-bed residential post-detox treatment facility that the permit request says will be a "comfortable, home-like setting."
He said more than 60 people would be employed for patient care.
Khowaja believes there is not a lot of affordable services for people needing alcohol and drug rehabilitation in Jefferson County and the surrounding area.
The council is expected to vote on the permit in the next few weeks.