Naveed Ahmed wants to get those addicted to drugs back on their feet.

As a substance abuse counselor, he’s well aware that some are among the homeless in Manteca.

Getting them cleaned up is that first big step of the process, he added.

Ahmed works at the Aegis Treatment Center at 955 W. Center St. – a methadone clinic to help those on heroin or other hard drugs with a maintenance regimen consisting of prescribing and / or administering the proper dosages as part of the treatment.

“Our job (as substance abuse counselors) is meeting with them regularly and help them become productive citizens,” Ahmed said.

Aegis Healthy Connections is hosting a Job & Health Fair today from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ahmed noted that this job / health fairs can be an important first in the search for employment along with a healthy lifestyle.

This inaugural event is offering up in-person job interviews and health screening.

Included will be representatives from staffing and employment agencies such as Private and Bridge coupled with the Trade Joe’s warehouse.

For more information on the job and health fair or the treatment center, call 209.239.6000 or log on to www.opiates.net.