MAPLE RIDGE MATRIX PROGRAM CUT

Maple Ridge's Matrix program for youth battling drug and alcohol
addiction will be shut down next month as the Fraser Health Authority
tightens spending in an attempt to balance its budget.

The program offers drug counselling, detox, practical support,
post-acute withdrawal support and aftercare to youth under 24 years
old in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Originally launched as a one-year pilot project, the Matrix never
received funding from Fraser Health, but used resources allotted to
the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre to operate for over three years.
Between 100 and 120 youth used the services annually.

"The program has unfortunately been unfunded since its inception,"
said Sherry Mumford, director of addictions for Fraser Health.

"In a deficit reduction year, you can't make an argument for a
program that's never had a budget."

Fraser Health announced Thursday it will scale back some services to
rein in a $10-million deficit. The changes include reductions and
closures involving acute care, hospice care, spiritual care and
addiction and mental-health services.

Mumford said in the coming weeks, Matrix staff will be identifying
files that can be closed or transferred to other agencies like
Alouette Addictions and Pacific Community Resources Society with
programs that cater to addicted youth.

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) believe the
cuts will hurt those who need services to help them recover from
addictions and mental health problems. The BCGEU represents workers
at the Matrix program in Maple Ridge.

"The youth detox program at Matrix helps 120 high-risk young people,
aged 16 to 24, each year. Matrix is a pilot project and needs time to
work," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

"Addictions and mental health problems are a growing problem in our
society and we cannot turn our back on the people who need these
services, especially young people."