An addiction treatment facility in northern Indiana is under intense scrutiny following the deaths of three patients within a single week. Local law enforcement has formally requested state officials to revoke the center's license, citing concerns about patient safety and a significant strain on resources.
The St. Joseph County Police Department sent a letter to the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction urging an investigation into Praxis Landmark Recovery's 160-bed facility in Mishawaka. The police department expressed serious concerns about the facility, labeling it "harmful to its patients and our community."
The request follows investigations into three deaths and two suspected overdoses at the all-male drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, which opened in August 2022. According to police spokesman Troy Warner, the center has generated over 200 calls to police and fire departments this year, resulting in more than two dozen incident reports for the county police alone. These reported incidents include nine overdoses, two rapes, a sexual assault, and a stabbing. Furthermore, the police department suspects underreporting of issues within the facility.
Warner's letter also alleges that center staff frequently obstruct police investigations, restricting access to victims and witnesses and potentially discouraging patients from reporting incidents. This claim raises further concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals within the facility.
Landmark Recovery, the Tennessee-based company operating the Mishawaka center and 13 other facilities across 10 states, issued a statement expressing sadness over the deaths and pledging cooperation with authorities. The company emphasized its commitment to patient care and safety and is conducting an internal investigation.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), which oversees the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, confirmed that facilities are required to report deaths and serious injuries within one business day. The FSSA is reviewing reports from Landmark and will determine appropriate next steps.
When it opened, the Mishawaka facility highlighted its acceptance of Medicaid, positioning itself as a crucial resource for low-income individuals seeking addiction treatment. It offered medical detox, residential care, and outpatient services. The recent events have cast a shadow over the facility's future and raised important questions about oversight and patient safety within the addiction treatment industry.
