NEW MOBILE DETOX PROGRAMS ADD FLEXIBILITY

A range of detox programs is now available for residents in the
eastern Fraser Valley who want help withdrawing from drug or alcohol abuse.

City councillor Diane Janzen said the new services may help a wider
range of patients than the hospital-based detox that was closed in
December last year at Chilliwack General Hospital.

"The thing I find particularly encouraging is it provides a range of
services depending on what (addiction) experience you're having," she said.

For instance, she said employees with an alcohol problem who need to
"clean up" to hold onto jobs "might be very well served by the mobile
service, where they would receive these programs at home" similar to
out-patient treatment, instead of a residential treatment facility.

Patients who are homeless or not living in a safe and supportive
environment for withdrawal can now go to a "short term stabilization
facility" for up to 30 days to avoid relapse while waiting for space
to open at a residential centre.

A "daytox" program will also be available at CGH during the evenings.
The program is a six-week early recovery/relapse prevention service
consisting of educational support, counselling and referrals to
community resources.

Patients can participate in both the detox and daytox components of
the program at the same time, if that is best suited to their needs.

Sherry Mumford, director of clinical programs at Fraser Health Mental
Health and Addictions Services, said she is excited about the "new
and innovative" approach to treatment aimed at clients who don't
"traditionally" want to go to hospital-based facilities.

Patients from First Nations, seniors, single women with children are
"some of the populations we're pretty sure we can serve" by sending a
mobile team to their homes, she said.

"I have an exceptionally enthusiastic team, and they're raring to go."

She said there are similar programs in Cranbrook and Vancouver, "but
this is a much more comprehensive model than what exists in the other
health authorities."

All patients must be assessed for medical risks and for safe home
environments before acceptance in the home/mobile program.

For those with medical issues who do need hospital-based detox
services, the Fraser Health Authority will provide transportation to
the Creekside Withdrawal Management Unit in Surrey.

Referral to the new programs can be made by individuals, family
members or doctors via a toll-free number 1-866-795-0600.

Mumford said six have called so far, and it's expected up to 350 will
request the new services in a 12-month period.

Janzen, who chairs the mayor's advisory committee on health, said
it's hoped the wider range of services will encourage more people to
seek treatment for substance abuse, particularly alcohol.

She said the committee will monitor the new programs over the next
year "and make adjustments where necessary."

"Our hope is this program will cooperate with our planned health
contact centre," she said.

The city is currently "fine-tuning" its vision for the $2.7-million
centre after a funding request was turned down by the BC Housing agency in June.