ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A new site for bilingual drug and alcohol counseling is open in Allentown.
Counseling Solutions of the Lehigh Valley held a ribbon-cutting for its new location on West Tilghman Street in Allentown.
The center offers outpatient drug and alcohol prevention, assessments and treatment.
Chief Executive Officer Yamelisa Taveras said her staff and curriculum are fully bilingual.
“It is so important to provide services, especially when it comes to mental health, when it comes to behavior health services, in people's native language and the language that they really either went through something or just feel most comfortable sharing their experiences with," Taveras said.
"So we definitely want to be able to provide that."
The program is licensed with both the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Department of Health and Human Services.
Those attending Thursday’s ribbon-cutting were welcome to take a tour and learn more about the services offered.
'The best version of themselves'
Politicians, including state Rep. Mike Schlossberg and representatives from U.S. Rep. Susan Wild’s office, were in attendance along with groups from around Allentown.
Those included Community Action Lehigh Valley and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"Yamelisa's passion and dedication is really something to know," said Maggie Walters, vice president of Allentown initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"It's a beautiful passion for again, the community and the city of Allentown, and so we're really in support of her and we wish her the best.”
“If we're not a strong and healthy community, mentally, physically, spiritually, then we're not a strong business community."Maggie Walters, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
“If we're not a strong and healthy community, mentally, physically, spiritually, then we're not a strong business community. So the chamber really has a holistic approach for our community and our businesses.
"We want everyone to be the best version of the result of themselves that they can be,” Walters said.
CSOLV services can be paid for out of pocket, with private insurance, Medicaid or using county funds. Taveras said people who are uninsured who live in Northampton or Lehigh counties are able to apply for funding through the county to cover their services.
Those needing assistance can call 1-610-756-1765 to set up an appointment.
