CHC CONSIDERS METHADONE

Should Powell River have a freestanding methadone treatment facility?

There are different opinions on this issue and some will be heard at the
Monday, May 15, Community Health Council (CHC) meeting.

The meeting, which will be held in the Powell River General Hospital's board
room, begins at 7 pm.

CHC chief executive officer Bill Crysler said it's important that the health
council receive all the facts. He said he doesn't expect a decision will be
made by CHC on its position immediately.

Methadone is a treatment used to treat heroin addicts.

Although a small number of patients receiving methadone treatment are seen
in Powell River, most are treated on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland.
No one at present is accepting new patients.

Methadone maintenance for people with a history of substance abuse disorder:
specifically opiates: follows the concept of harm reduction. The principle
is that daily ingestion of a long-acting opiate will prevent withdrawal
symptoms and reduce the urge to obtain short-acting opiates.

Doctors Nick White and Anna-Marie Maguire have been invited to speak on this
issue, along with Vicki Sanzalone, district supervisor with the ministry of
social development and economic security, and Jack Darling, director for the
New Life Society.

Crysler said different people have different views on this issue. The
question: Can, and should, people who receive methadone treatment be looked
after in their own community?: will be examined.

"I think that is a fundamental question and, if so, what is the most
appropriate way of helping them."

Crysler said Darling is unable to attend the meeting but has sent a video on
methadone maintenance to be shown. He will also supply a position statement.

"We'd like to get people at this meeting who want to share their views," he
said.

Another issue on the meeting agenda is the breastfeeding initiative. A
request has been made to make the hospital into a baby-friendly
breastfeeding place. In addition to openly declaring this initiative, a
commitment on the hospital's part and the cost of such an endeavour must be
addressed, said Crysler