RICHMOND ADDICTION SERVICES LOSES FUNDING FROM HEALTH AUTHORITY

Richmond Addiction Services was dealt a major financial blow Tuesday
when the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority terminated its contract
with the organization effective the end of February 2010.

The health authority plans to integrate addictions and mental health
services in Richmond, a plan that should better support research
indicating that 40 to 60 per cent of people with psychiatric
disorders also have addictions problems, and the majority of people
with addictions have underlying mental health problems, according to
Yasmin Jetha, director of Richmond Mental Health and Addiction Services.

"We want to thank the board members, leadership and staff of Richmond
Addiction Services for their many years of service and dedication to
addiction clients who have benefitted from their care," said
Vancouver Coastal Health-Richmond chief operating officer Susan Wannamaker.

Richmond Addictions Services executive director Jacqueline Hewitt
could not be reached by deadline Wednesday afternoon.

The addictions services agency is funded by coastal health, the
minister of public safety and solicitor general, and a grant from the
City of Richmond.

Formerly known as Richmond Alcohol and Drug Action Team, the agency
is a registered non-profit charitable society and provides a wide
range of services to local residents.