Longleaf Recovery & Wellness Responds to Bradford Health Services' Opposition to New Treatment Facility Amid Addiction Crisis

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Longleaf Recovery & Wellness announced today that Bradford Health Services has formally filed opposition to Longleaf's proposed 60-bed residential treatment facility in Shelby County. The move comes despite the majority-vote approval earlier this year from the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) and Governor Kay Ivey, who recognized the urgent need for additional treatment options in Alabama by authorizing the expansion.

The proposed facility would be one of only a handful of state-authorized residential treatment centers in Alabama. Currently, the state has just three Certificate of Need (CON)-approved residential providers, two of which are owned and operated by Bradford Health Services. Meanwhile, Alabama continues to face one of the most severe addictions and overdose crises in its history, with overdose deaths more than doubling since 2014.

"This is not just about beds and facilities, this is about lives," said Colin Harris, Founder and CEO of Longleaf Recovery & Wellness. "Alabama families deserve access to high-quality, local care without being funneled into a system dominated by one provider. Blocking new treatment options is not only shortsighted, but also dangerous."

Earlier this year, the SHCC voted by a clear majority to approve Longleaf's request for 60 new substance use treatment beds, a decision that was later signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. The approval was a recognition of the critical gap in access to care, particularly in Shelby County and surrounding areas.

"Every month we wait is another month of Alabama families driving hundreds of miles, paying more for care, or giving up altogether," said Harris. "Alabama needs more options, not fewer. We are committed to meeting this need, and we will not back down from our mission to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for the people of this state."

Longleaf Recovery & Wellness remains confident in the strength of its case and the urgency of the need for additional treatment resources. The organization continues to move forward with plans to bring new, life-saving care options to Alabama residents.

A Call for Community Support

Longleaf is calling on families, providers, advocates, and those who have been directly impacted by addiction to stand in support of this much-needed expansion. Public voices matter in ensuring access to treatment is not blocked.

Together, we can make sure that Alabama families have more than one option when seeking the care they desperately need.

About Longleaf Recovery & Wellness

Founded in 2022, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness provides comprehensive outpatient and residential addiction and mental health treatment in Alabama. With a mission to deliver compassionate, individualized care, Longleaf is committed to expanding access to life-saving treatment options across the state.

Contact: Sophia Clarke

Director of Marketing

859-619-3561

[email protected]

SOURCE Longleaf Recovery & Wellness