$2.7M DETOX CENTRE OPENS

With the goal of restoring dignity to those suffering the indignities of
addiction, Windsor Regional Hospital officially opened its new Withdrawal,
Management and Assessment Centre Friday.

Bill Marcotte, director of operations for mental health, addiction and
geriatrics, said the new site in a renovated former fire hall at the
hospital's Western Campus, will be a marked improvement upon the old and
"terribly inadequate" men's and women's detox centre on Mill Street.

"Our clients are often the most marginalized people in the community," said
Marcotte. "They are seldom understood by those without an addiction ....
They need care with dignity."

The 12,000-square-foot facility, built at a cost of $2.7 million, is about
twice the size of the old 20-bed unit.

GREATER AMENITIES

The clients will begin moving this week to the new handicapped-accessible
facility, which includes semi-private rooms, gender-specific program and
privacy areas, conference space and staff offices. Few of those amenities
were available at the former site. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
provided 100 per cent of the funding.

The centre will provide non-medical care for men and women who are
recovering from the effects of alcohol or drug addiction, experiencing
withdrawal and awaiting entry into an addiction treatment program.

"People will come in here and know that they count, know that they are
important," said Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello.

The Windsor West MPP said giving addicts that kind of dignity will help get
them back on their feet.