NO CUT TO ADDICTION SERVICES: FHA OFFICIAL

The top official responsible for drug and addiction services in the region
has promised not to cut services to reduce a $1.2 million budget shortfall.

Instead, the Fraser Health Authority will find efficiencies within the
system of services for people with drug and alcohol addictions to absorb
wage increases and other costs after it took over a $13.2 million budget
from the Ministry of Health last spring.

"It is readily agreed within the health authority that the addiction
services transferred from the Ministry of Health are inadequate to meet the
needs in our communities," said Diane Miller, who will continue to
stickhandle responsibility for drug and addiction services for the next
year in addition to her new role as health administrator for the Tri-Cities.

Miller was responding to comments made by Royal Columbian Hospital nurse
Rock Chalifour during a presentation to Port Moody council Tuesday.
Chalifour, who represents the Addiction Treatment Advocacy Group, warned
city councillors the health authority was considering replacing detox beds
and residential treatment programs with more counselling programs to help
it address its budget shortfall.

"There is no evidence in the professional literature of addiction that
addicts are successfully treated in this manner," said Chalifour, though he
said counselling is a cheaper way to see more people.

He said the health authority should instead work with cities and community
groups to come up with solutions, look at other sources of funding, and
consult addiction specialists within the region before making any changes.
He said, as well, that front-line nurses, doctors and social workers should
be trained to deal with addicts to give "the taxpayer, a bigger bang for
the taxpayers' buck."

His comments resonated with at least one Port Moody councillor, who said
young people with addictions face lengthy waits before getting residential
treatment. Coun. Karen Rockwell said friends of hers have had to travel to
Manitoba with their child because they couldn't get timely treatment in B.C.

"I think it's a very sad commentary in B.C. if we are cutting beds when
people can't get in now," Rockwell said.

More services for youth and women, including more beds and day detox, are
among the top priorities of the health region's new strategic plan. As
well, the health authority is spending $800,000 to train front line workers
to deal with people who have both mental health issues and addictions,
including hiring a new worker for the Tri-Cities.

Miller said the region has no plans to close beds but it might
re-distribute services throughout the region to make them more accessible.

Among the goals of the strategic plan developed last year after discussions
with various agencies is to make services more flexible and accessible.
Instead of staying at a detox centre, addicts could detox in their own home
with the help of supportive services.