Clinic director tells Newport City Council methadone program has grown to 415 patients, outlines parking and treatment measures

Jason Golden, introduced to the Newport City Council as regional director of operations for the clinic operating under the BARK (Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment) model, told the council the Newport program now serves about 415 patients and described steps the clinic is taking to reduce neighborhood impacts.

Golden said the clinic provides medication-assisted treatment—including methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone)—combined with counseling, case management and medical oversight. "Our doors are always open," he said, adding the program tracks patient progress with urine tests, counseling and a gradual "take-home" schedule for medication based on adherence and stability.

The presentation addressed two recurring community concerns: traffic/parking and loitering. Golden said the state recently required observed dosing and that change increased on-site traffic because patients now wait to be observed taking medication. To spread demand, the clinic has staggered dosing hours (beginning as early as 5:30 a.m., with a midday break) and is pursuing additional parking on nearby property. He noted outreach to neighbors, including building a privacy fence for one property, and said the clinic has two security staff per shift to monitor exits.

Golden also described clinical safeguards and access: patients receive a full medical exam, counseling and random urine analyses; most new patients are observed daily for the first 90 days, after which take-home privileges are phased in for patients who meet stability criteria. He said treatment includes special attention to pregnant patients and coordination with hospitals; the clinic reported 26 pregnant women in the program last year.

Councilors and residents pressed Golden on patient behavior and safety. A councilor asked whether patients on medication appear impaired; Golden responded that when medications are taken as prescribed, patients generally can work and drive, and that occasional appearances of impairment usually indicate additional substance use or a need to adjust dosing. Golden said the clinic accepts Medicaid and major insurers and that a modest self-pay option is available for people without coverage.

On capacity, Golden said the opening of a St. Albans clinic this spring—recently acquired in the Knights of Columbus building—should divert roughly 50 patients who now travel daily to Newport, easing parking and bus congestion. "It will stop the bus from coming. It should help free up some of our parking," he said.

The council thanked Golden for the update and asked staff to coordinate periodic clinic briefings to track neighborhood impacts and service changes. The council did not take formal action on the presentation.

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