In the Spring of 1993, a small group of methadone treatment providers gathered together in Austin, Texas. Unfortunately, some negative publicity about methadone programs had caused much concern among the Texas programs. A united front was required. Oscar Jones of Lubbock, Texas was one of the pioneers in promoting the idea of forming a statewide association modeled after the original Northeastern Methadone Association. The group in Austin formed what would become known as the Texas Methadone Treatment Association. Our first president was Steven Tapscott and our first vice president was Oscar Jones. These two persons along with Dr. Alex John, Jr., Moses Esquivel, Dr. James Sabal, and Farrukh Shamsi were among the founding members. In the mid 2000's, the Texas Methadone Treatment Association became the United States Association of Opioid Treatment Providers to better reflect the diversity of treatment options as well as the expansion of members beyond Texas.
Oscar Jones, LCSW, LCDC, AAC
Farrukh, Shamsi, BS, MBA
Dr. Heinz Aeschbach M.D.
Rick Bingham BA, AADC, NCAC-II,LCDC
Miles Bosaw, LCDC
Blake Leva- Fort Worth, TX
Terry McEldowney-Lubbock, TX
Leesa Nelson- Lake Worth, TX
JoBeth Rickard-Corpus Christi, TX
President:
Kirk McLaughlin- Lubbock, TX
Vice President:
Dr. Frank Setzler- Jacksonville, TX
Secretary:
JoBeth Rickard-Corpus Chrisi, TX
Treasurer:
Kirk McLaughlin -Lubbock, TX