08-17-2009, 04:09 PM
Director of embattled methadone clinic resigns
August 17, 2009 12:49 PM | No Comments
Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller today resigned his job as medical director at a Waukegan methadone clinic, Green Dragonfly, which has been under scrutiny following the methadone-related death of a 30-year-old patient.
Keller announced today his last day as physician and medical director will be Sept. 7 at Green Dragonfly, which opened in October 2008 to treat patients for heroin addiction.
The Lake County State's Attorney's office early this year began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Steve Vaughn, 30, of Lindenhurst, who died after mixing methadone with Xanax, a dangerous combination.
Keller had prescribed the methadone to the victim as the clinic's medical director, then investigated the cause of his Dec. 3 death in his role as county coroner.
Earlier this year, the state's attorney's office became aware of the death and began investigating, asking state and federal officials to help determine if the clinic followed proper procedures in dispensing the prescription narcotic, State's Atty. Michael Waller said.
Keller issued a statement Monday announcing his resignation.
"I wish the clinic continued success in its service to the community," he stated. "It has had a positive impact on over 100 individuals battling with addiction. Also, through them it has improved the health of the county and decreased the crime that would have accompanied the addictions in many of these people."
"I will miss the patients. I have learned much from them and they have truly touched my life. I wish them well in their futures."
Keller remains coroner in Lake County, an elected position with a $100,000 annual salary. His term ends in 2012.
August 17, 2009 12:49 PM | No Comments
Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller today resigned his job as medical director at a Waukegan methadone clinic, Green Dragonfly, which has been under scrutiny following the methadone-related death of a 30-year-old patient.
Keller announced today his last day as physician and medical director will be Sept. 7 at Green Dragonfly, which opened in October 2008 to treat patients for heroin addiction.
The Lake County State's Attorney's office early this year began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Steve Vaughn, 30, of Lindenhurst, who died after mixing methadone with Xanax, a dangerous combination.
Keller had prescribed the methadone to the victim as the clinic's medical director, then investigated the cause of his Dec. 3 death in his role as county coroner.
Earlier this year, the state's attorney's office became aware of the death and began investigating, asking state and federal officials to help determine if the clinic followed proper procedures in dispensing the prescription narcotic, State's Atty. Michael Waller said.
Keller issued a statement Monday announcing his resignation.
"I wish the clinic continued success in its service to the community," he stated. "It has had a positive impact on over 100 individuals battling with addiction. Also, through them it has improved the health of the county and decreased the crime that would have accompanied the addictions in many of these people."
"I will miss the patients. I have learned much from them and they have truly touched my life. I wish them well in their futures."
Keller remains coroner in Lake County, an elected position with a $100,000 annual salary. His term ends in 2012.