The original plan for the center was to treat heroin users aged 18-25. Statistics compiled by the Drug Early Warning System, a coalition of state and local agencies that monitor trends across Maryland, show that Carroll County adult hospital admissions due to heroin use is above the state's average, and several young adults have died due to overdoses in the past few years.

However, health officer Larry Leitch studied state statistics on drug use and determined that an expanded center would receive more use than one with a narrower mission, without hurting the quality of the program. Filling the beds will be vitally important to keeping the center going.

The commissioners said they would soon tour the proposed site. If they approve it, they will schedule a public hearing on the project. Leitch estimated that if all goes well in negotiations with the state and at the public hearing, construction on the center could begin in about a year.