A methadone clinic could open in Union Township as soon as next month.

Renovations have been completed in the former J.D. Byrider building on Route 224 for Discovery House — an outpatient addiction treatment program to be operated by Smart Management of Providence, R.I.

“State and federal licensure requirements, which include inspections by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and federal drug enforcement administration, are under way,” Rob Kornacki of Smart Management said.

“There is an overwhelming need for substance abuse treatment in western Pennsylvania,” Kornacki noted, saying many people commute 30 to 45 minutes for treatment.

“We believe it is better to serve people where they live,” he said. “It is less taxing for the individual, their families and employers.”

Kornacki anticipates serving 150 to 200 clients at the Union Township facility in the first year.

He said the location was selected because of its highway accessibility and because the zoning was compatible. Even the parking is abundant, he added.

The facility is being screened, as required by the zoning ordinance, he noted.

Although treatments are individualized, Kornacki said, all clinics operate in a similar fashion. Medications — in this case, methadone — are dispensed between 5 and 10 a.m. daily, with most activity expected between 5 and 7 a.m. The methadone is provided in a liquid form, which clients must swallow in the presence of the nursing staff, he explained.

Some clients also receive counseling to address life issues including work, family and other problems. Counselors will be on site until 2 p.m. daily.

“With our early-morning operating hours, we could be invisible to the community,” Kornacki said.

“We look forward to working with neighbors and becoming a part of the community.”

BACKGROUND OFFERED

Kornacki said Discovery House has operated since 1987, with 19 treatment centers nationally. Six are in Pennsylvania, with the nearest in Cranberry and Hermitage.