Helping people struggling with addiction and tackling the fentanyl crisis were top of mind today as the County Board of Supervisors voted to invest in a new substance use treatment facility. 

“Drug addiction is ruining too many lives, and this facility will help us make progress on this crisis, particularly as it relates to illicit opioids that are sweeping through our communities,” said Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, vice chair of the Board of Supervisors. “People suffering from addiction shouldn't be left to die in the streets. This is a vote to get people the care we need and improve our neighborhoods for everyone.”

The Substance Use Residential and Treatment Services (SURTS) facility, located at 2300 East 7th Street in National City, consists of two buildings constructed in the 1960s and 1980s totaling approximately 33,000 square feet. The buildings are currently vacant, but were most recently used for a 120-bed substance use treatment facility.

The County plans to use the SURTS facility to provide an array of substance use treatment services. 

Significant repairs, improvements, and code upgrades are required to correct known deficiencies, caused by the age of the buildings and building systems. 

The vote will allow the County to renovate the SURTS major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, to modernize the dormitory rooms and office spaces, and to completely build-out the Annex to include a working kitchen and laundry facility. 

The total estimated cost for this renovation is $26 million. 

The County Board of Supervisors approved purchase of the parcels in September 2022. The County previously awarded a contract for architectural and engineering services in February 2023, and the design phase, including construction planning, is nearing completion. 

Construction is expected to begin in April 2025, with estimated completion in 2026.

Read the entire policy here.