© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
New treatment facility named after Bucks legend Vin Baker officially opens in Milwaukee
The entire city of Milwaukee welcomes a brand new medical and treatment center that is named after a beloved Bucks icon.
On Tuesday morning, the Vin Baker Recovery officially opened its doors for individuals seeking help for substance misuse and mental health issues. The facility is the first opioid treatment program to get approved by the city's board of zoning appeals in the last 30 years.
A center for medical and mental recovery
Vin Baker — the franchise's former star and current assistant coach — announced his plans to open an affordable and accommodating treatment establishment last year. As such, this plan finally came to fruition upon the recent launching of the Vin Baker Recovery.
The Vin Baker Recovery offers licensed counseling and therapy services to curb mental health problems. It will also provide medical drugs like methadone, suboxone, and Vivitrol, which can be taken by patients diagnosed with drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse.
The facility is widely regarded as a groundbreaking feat in the city's added provision for medical recovery and wellness.
"We want everyone who walks through the door to feel good about their recovery," said Beth Collier, vice president of business development and government relations at Vin Baker Recovery. "We want them to know that we respect them.”
The center can cater to the needs of 800 to 1,000 individuals seeking medical assistance. It is located at 4757 N. 76th Street in Milwaukee and will be open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
An inspiration for everyone
Baker, 52, has his fair share of substance struggles and alcohol addiction.
A 6-foot-11 power forward with a well-rounded skill set that fits today's game, Baker was a formidable force in the NBA's mid to late ‘90s scenes. The Bucks legend was selected to four NBA All-Star Games and honored with two All-NBA selections.
But alcohol and drug issues devastatingly sent his rising career crashing to dust. Baker hit rock bottom and endured one of the most depressing downfalls by an NBA star due to addiction.
In the end, Vin was able to come out strong from his medical issues, becoming an inspiration amongst those who are struggling with substance abuse. And now, he couldn't be more proud of himself to spearhead the foundation of the Vin Baker Recovery that aims to help people in dire need of healthy living.
