EXTENSION OF WOMEN'S DRUG REHAB PROGRAM WINS SUPPORT

The extension of a drug rehabilitation initiative for women in the
Comox Valley is being supported by Courtenay City Council.

Last night Heather Ney and Sam Sommers spoke to councillors about a
pilot scheme that began here in June and which, they said, is really
proving its worth.

There are now three beds for women with drug problems at the
transition house instead of one, and under the pilot program, support
staff have also been funded.

The province provided lump sum of $17,000 and a daily allowance of
just over $52 per bed to cover the pilot scheme's costs.

The four-month program was due to end in September, but has continued
thanks to an anonymous donor who gave $5,000 to keep it going.

But as that extra money is now running out, the council was urged to
write to the province's health ministry to ask them to keep the
service going, as the three beds have been occupied 85 per cent of the time.

The council agreed, and also expressed interest in a longer-term idea
to establish a dedicated house with six treatment beds.

Sommers said the province has indicated it is willing to support such
initiatives if local governments donate the land and grant the
appropriate zoning for such a facility.

Mayor Starr Winchester said such facilities were desperately needed
in Courtenay and she was optimistic that something could be done.