Hazelden Betty Ford Facilitates Evacuation for Addiction Treatment Patients in Naples, Florida

Naples, Fla. (September 27, 2022) – Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation on Tuesday closed its addiction treatment and mental health center in Naples just minutes before an evacuation order was issued for the area.

In the previous 48 hours, the behavioral health care leader had worked closely with patients and their families to ensure all made their way to appropriate alternative locations.

"We will continue to offer virtual treatment, family and coaching services as long as we have the electricity and ability to do so," said Janelle Wesloh, vice president of Hazelden Betty Ford's East Region and leader of the incident command team activated to assess the situation and develop plans ahead of the storm. "We are also supporting roughly 50 full-time, part-time and on-call staff, who are making a variety of arrangements for their own safety and the safety of their families."

Hazelden Betty Ford in Naples is part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the nation's largest nonprofit system of addiction treatment, mental health care and related education, research, prevention and recovery services.

"We are focused intently on patient and staff safety as well as keeping patients engaged in care virtually while the storm passes," said Hazelden Betty Ford President and CEO Joseph Lee, MD. "We also know events such as a hurricane can challenge everyone's well-being, and our outstanding team in Naples will be ready to serve the community in the storm's aftermath as well."