An Oklahoma state senator has vowed to fight the operations of Narconon Arrowhead, the drug rehabilitation center in Pittsburg County, following a series of patient deaths that have drawn statewide attention and investigations by authorities.
Deaths under investigation
Narconon Arrowhead, located near Canadian in southeastern Oklahoma, is one of the largest facilities of the Narconon network, which uses a treatment program based on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. The program relies heavily on long sessions in saunas, high doses of vitamins and study courses rather than conventional medical treatment.
Several patients died while enrolled at the center, prompting investigations by law enforcement and questions from families who said they had sent loved ones there in search of help. The deaths, and the way the facility is licensed and monitored, have become the focus of growing public concern.
The senator's pledge
The senator said the state has a responsibility to make sure that any facility treating people for addiction meets basic medical and safety standards. He vowed to pursue legislation and to work with state agencies to review how the center is certified, who oversees its program and whether patients receive adequate medical supervision.
Among the measures being discussed:
- stronger certification requirements for drug and alcohol treatment programs;
- regular inspections by state health authorities;
- clear reporting rules when a patient dies or is seriously injured;
- a review of the agreements that allow the facility to operate.
Families and protests
Relatives of patients who died at the facility have spoken publicly and organized protests near its grounds, calling for accountability. Former patients have also come forward with accounts of the program. County officials have dealt with traffic and safety questions around those gatherings, while Narconon representatives have defended their methods and denied wrongdoing.
What happens next
Investigations into the deaths are continuing, and their findings are likely to shape the debate at the Capitol. The senator said he intends to keep the issue in front of lawmakers until the state is satisfied that patients at the center are safe.
For families who have lost loved ones, the pledge offers some hope that their questions will be answered and that other families will not face the same loss.