ROTARY GIVES YOUTH DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE $1M

The effort to build a new treatment centre for drug-addicted youths
got a boost Friday with the announcement of a $1-million gift from the
Rotary Clubs of Eastern Ontario.

The effort to raise $6 million for the planned west-end residential
treatment centre, called Project s.t.e.p., began about 15 months ago
when Ottawa police Chief Vern White identified drug treatment for
youths between 13 and 17 as a top priority for the city.

The senior manager of Project s.t.e.p., Michael Poliwoda, said Ottawa
now has one daytime centre in each end of the city, but after they
close their doors at 5 p.m., youth are often right back on the
streets. "Right now, there are over 400 kids on a wait list," Poliwoda
said. "This (new) drug centre is a step in the right direction."

The current west-end facility is only temporary, but Poliwoda said the
funds will go directly toward building the new residential treatment
centre, ideally at the same 1883 Bradley Side Rd. location.

He said the project will have a holistic approach focused on
education, prevention and treatment. "It's not just a drug issue but
an issue of crime prevention as well."

According to Poliwoda, the centre will target younger teens because
they have a 70-per-cent success rate in getting off drugs with proper
treatment. The rate is significantly lower for youths over 18, he said.

The new facility is to include a three-month program with a screening
process and post-program treatment.