Commissioners moving forward with possible changes to drug and alcohol recovery services
Mike Jones
The Washington County commissioners are moving forward with plans to transfer the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission’s recovery services “in-house” despite a standing-room-only crowd at Thursday’s meeting imploring them to reconsider making any changes.
A dozen people spoke in support of keeping WDAC as the single county agency contracted by the state to help with drug and alcohol recovery programs, but their pleas were not answered as the process is now underway to move the commission into the county’s Department of Human Services.
“I can see and feel the tension from everyone here,” Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said, before alluding to a recently completed study the county is forwarding to the state for review. “We are looking at this study to see how we can have the best resources for you to give them to the people who need it.”
In a split vote, Sherman and Commissioner Electra Janis voted to send a letter of intention to the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs indicating their interest in moving WDAC under the umbrella of the county, with Commissioner Larry Maggi asking to table the measure before voting against the decision. Boos rained down from the more than 100 people in the audience after the vote was taken in the midst of the nearly 90-minute regular voting meeting.
Sherman said the review by the state would likely take six months before any final decision is made. He pledged that no jobs would be lost within WDAC, and the nonprofit organization would be tucked into Human Services.
“This is not to get rid of any organization. It is to increase the capability of treatment for people,” Sherman said. “There’s a better way to do this. This is what it’s about.”
Maggi took exception with the suggestion that nothing would change, pointing out that early budget discussions show new positions for director and deputy director for drug and alcohol services, raising questions about what might happen to the nonprofit’s current leadership.
“We are moving down that line,” Maggi said. “Looking at the budget, we’re looking at creating positions to take that over, so that’s not totally accurate. We’re moving down there to take control of it. … You’re creating another arm of government.”
“Mr. Maggi, that is fear-mongering,” Sherman responded, telling the WDAC workers that they would become employees of Washington County. “That’s just very disingenuous.”
Cheryl Andrews, who is executive director of WDAC, addressed the board and explained the work the nonprofit has been doing for decades, including serving as the single county authority since 2002. She noted the commissioners decided in 2001 to move the services out of the county’s oversight, and WDAC was selected the following year to begin serving exclusively in that role.
“Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission has decades of strong outcomes and community trust,” Andrews said. “This takeover is not about improving the system of care, it is only about power and control.”
She said the recent study that Sherman has alluded to in making the case to bring the services into the county calls for “greater cooperation and partnership” between WDAC and the county government, and the nonprofit has asked for better collaboration over the years. Andrews added she has never had issues with the commissioners in the 14 years she’s led the nonprofit until the most recent board took office in January 2024.
“If you vote yes, you’re going directly against the recommendation and further harming the relationship and existing services,” Andrews said. “Don’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, let’s talk reconciliation to reduce duplication and unlock opportunities for coordinated planning and funding. Together, we can have the greatest impact on the residents of Washington County.”
Others had a similar message from their experiences either working within the nonprofit or helping in the battle against substance abuse.
Canonsburg Mayor Dave Rhome, who is a member of the Washington County Opioid Overdose Coalition, praised Andrews for her organization’s work to implement treatment and recovery programs to help people get the assistance they need.
“We are making real progress in Washington County. I see it firsthand,” Rhome said. “Now is not the moment to disrupt what is working. Stability matters, expertise matters and the partnerships we’ve made (matter).”
AC Rowland of Cecil Township had fiery words for the commissioners both before and after the vote, raising concerns about the decision to move WDAC into Human Services and questioning why the nonprofit has never received opioid settlement fund grants from the county.
“This is not an organization that needs saving. It’s one that’s been saving lives for decades,” Rowland said. “That’s why this sudden move by the county commissioners feels so alarming. … Let’s not undo that progress. Let’s choose a partnership over your power grab.”
After hearing comments on the issue, Maggi suggested the commissioners should table the motion and even asked Janis what her opinion was on the change.
“Commissioner Janis, you have not spoken on this,” Maggi said. “Where are you at?”
“I do not wish to table this. No,” Janis said.
With that, Sherman and Janis voted in favor and Maggi voted against it. The 34-page study conducted by the Hill Group that was completed Nov. 13 will now be sent to the state for reviews, which Sherman suspects would take six months. The commissioners would then have to make a final decision upon reviewing the state’s findings on the study.