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ASAC asks Benton County for space in Vinton service hub to increase rural substance-use access
Summary
ASAC sought permission to join Benton County’s service hub in Vinton, describing local care navigation, outpatient and telehealth services and plans to hire a full-time care navigator.
Cassandra, deputy director of ASAC (the local substance-use services agency), asked the supervisors to allow ASAC to join the Benton County service hub in Vinton rather than maintain a separate office.
Cassandra said ASAC serves seven counties and has expanded Benton County outreach over the past year, sometimes supported by opioid funds. She said local services include prevention, intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment, care navigation, transportation assistance and telehealth referrals. "In 2024, we served 84 individuals in Benton County. Already this year we've served 87," she said.
ASAC described space needs: two small private offices for a counselor and a care navigator and a larger group room to host intensive outpatient and other group sessions (space for roughly 10–15 people). Cassandra estimated modest remodeling could cost about $1,500–$2,000 to create two small rooms. ASAC said its current lease runs through June; staff said they could provide notice and coordinate a move timeline if the board supports hosting ASAC in the hub.
Supervisors discussed lease timing, assessment/tax implications if the county leases space and priorities for county use of the building; one supervisor noted county plans for county-priority office use could affect negotiations. No formal vote was recorded in the transcript; supervisors asked ASAC to provide a formal rent request, cost details and reports of space needs for the board to consider.
