TOLL-FREE NUMBER PLUGS CALLERS INTO ADDICTION-RECOVERY SERVICES

VANCOUVER - Vancouver Coastal Health has established a new phone line
for access to addiction-recovery housing services, detox and day
treatment for adults with drug or alcohol problems.

The Access Central toll-free number (1-866-658-1221) will be staffed
seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., by a worker who interviews
people with drug and/or alcohol problems to assess and place them
into the most appropriate withdrawal management or addiction housing service.

They can also place the person on a waiting list if a space isn't
immediately open.

"Suitable, safe housing is one of the clinical indicators of
successful recovery," said Vancouver Coastal Health president Ida
Goodreau. "Access Central will make it easier for people with
addiction issues to access the residential supports they need, and we
know it works. During a six-month pilot phase, more than 58 people
were booked into addiction housing, an improvement of 68 per cent
from before the line was introduced."

People can also visit the Access Central kiosk at the Health Contact
Centre at 166 East Hastings St. in Vancouver to connect with an access worker.

The aim of the central line is to reduce duplication of waiting lists
and centralize intake, allowing Vancouver Coastal Health to collect
client information to help identify needs and service gaps.