State Briefs April 22, 2010

Gov. Otter released from Boise hospital

BOISE - A spokesman for Gov. Butch Otter says the governor has been released from a Boise hospital after being treated for dehydration and flu-like symptoms.

In a statement Wednesday, spokesman Mark Warbis said Otter was resting at home.

The 67-year-old was taken to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center on Monday, following a week of travel and a swing through northern Idaho on state and campaign business.

Idaho first lady Lori Otter filled in for her husband at a $1,000-a-plate dinner he was scheduled to host with former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani Tuesday night.

Otter is one of six candidates seeking the Republican nomination in next month's primary election.

Boise detox center opens

BOISE - Construction on a $2.7 million detoxification and mental health crisis center in Boise is complete, and the Allumbaugh House will start accepting patients in May.

The center has a sobering station for 18 people and detoxification and crisis mental health services for 16 clients, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Heidi Hart is the behavioral health director for Terry Reilly Health Services, which will operate the facility. She says officials don't like pressing charges against someone who just needs to sober up.

Clients must be at least 18 years of age and referred for admission by a professional from the Department of Health and Welfare, law enforcement, hospitals or a health care provider. There is no charge for services.

Allumbaugh House was spearheaded by Boise leaders, and is the result of cooperation among Ada County and Meridian leaders, St. Luke's Health Systems, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and United Way.

- The Associated Press