Thomas Baldrick

Green Valley Treatment Center

green-valley-treatment-center
green-valley-treatment-center

“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.” The classic song, “Yesterday,” by The Beatles has always been a favorite of mine. And it came to mind as I was driving home from a Green Valley treatment center. It is a tranquil setting for helping addiction detox and mental health clients.

I was there yesterday because of being hired to write about the facility. There are many things in life you can get a real feel for by seeing. It seemed to me like there was one way to write genuinely from a place of experience. I had to make an in-person visit.

So what? It took me over 2 hours each way to go the extra mile. However, it was well worth it. Further proof, the extra mile is usually a valuable part of a journey.

the-haven-green-valley-az-yard-area

Green Valley, Arizona is a snowbird retirement community just under 30 miles south of Tucson. It is nestled at the western base of the Santa Rita Mountains. The small unincorporated town has no city hall. And while it does have plenty of retail shopping options and traffic lights, not much happens here after dark.

This Southern Arizona setting suits this Green Valley treatment center quite well. The property hosts a campus with three buildings of one-floor living and workspace. It is located on the outskirts of a residential neighborhood just below Highway 19. The grounds feel safe, serene, and suburban, especially with spectacular mountain views.

Inside this unique form of vital care, substance use and mental disorders are not judged here like the outside world. They are understood and managed as best as possible.

I enjoyed visiting with the dedicated medical professionals who care for clients with compassion as well as passion. They treated me to an extensive tour, and a nutritious and delicious lunch. (Just like all the clients enjoyed).

However, the most filling for me was the helpful information and conversation they shared based on their personal experiences.

I’m now at home, facing a new day with gratitude and the best writing problem of all. 20 pounds of material for a 10-pound bag.  

To start my creative thought gathering process this morning, I listened to the song, “Yesterday.” Hearing and feeling Paul McCartney sing his powerful lyrics have set the tone for writing this very piece.

I’m aiming to help this Green Valley treatment center to help those who need medical detox and treatment for substance use and mental disorders. Therefore, “I believe in yesterday.” I hope they can, too.