LA GRANGE, Ky. — A new doctor’s office coming to downtown La Grange has stirred up controversy, but longtime La Grange resident, Sarah Borth supports the addition. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky Mental Health Care opening office that offers harm reduction treatment and methadone treatment

  • The clinic has stirred up controversy in La Grange

  • La Grange mayor says the concern is the downtown location

  • Office set to open July 15

 

As COVID-19 had negative outcomes on children around the country, Borth said her daughter struggled with depression and why she believes the doctor’s office would be a positive for the community.

“There were days where she couldn’t get out of bed, she was really sad, couldn’t point it out and then she came to me three weeks in on her antidepressants and said she felt like she wanted to commit suicide,” Borth said.

Kentucky Mental Health Care founder, Joseph Nalley, confirmed that the doctor’s office will offer services that include harm reduction treatment and methadone treatment.

According to Jim Urban, executive director for Oldham County Planning and Zoning, the proposed office location is zoned C2, which would allow for a clinic, professional office or immediate care facility.

“Our concern here is, if in fact it’s placed in the downtown area, when we have so much momentum going, we just don’t want a negative spin from that being here, not to say it’s not needed or important,” Mayor of La Grange, John Black said.

Several businesses downtown declined to comment but the Mayor Black says he has several meetings planned with the clinics operator.

“I’ve got three scheduled meetings this week for sure on Monday. First and foremost is all the concern we have with our downtown merchants, investors, our property owners,” Black said. “Just so we can answer any and all questions, let the management speak to them, which they want to do so much.” 

After commuting 35 minutes to the nearest doctor for her daughter, Borth said the addition would be crucial to her and her family.

“Having something centralized in our town, in our city, makes it easier for not just our community but those around us that have to travel even further than I do,” Borth said.

The mayor says he’s keeping an open mind.

“You have to give everybody their fair say, fair day in court and we’re willing to let them explain this and perhaps we as a community want to be with this decision whether we support this or work to deny it,” Black said.

Nalley with Kentucky Mental Health Care said he has a tentative opening date of July 15.

Black said the entire city council will be visiting the office site on Monday and talking with members of Kentucky Mental Health Care. 

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