'SEAMLESS SYSTEM' OF CARE FOR METH ADDICTS

A crystal meth pilot project to treat addicted youth will be launched
in Maple Ridge using part of a $1.9 million grant made earlier this
month to the Fraser Health Authority by the B.C. government.

Two other recently-funded FHA programs - a youth home detox pilot
project in Maple Ridge and a region-wide crystal meth outreach
service - will be rolled into the pilot program at the Maple Ridge
Treatment Centre (MRTC).

FHA officials could not be reached this week for comment.

According to a news release, the MRTC pilot project is based on a
"matrix model" developed by an addiction treatment agency in Los
Angeles and will provide youth in active drug use here with:

withdrawal management;

clinical counselling;

peer education and support;

family education and social support;

a coach/monitor chosen by youth to help their re-integration.

"This model is an innovative way of providing a seamless system of
care for youth through the integration of existing local services and
programs," says Karen Turner, MRTC health services manager.

Professionals from the LA institute will train 30 local service
providers, but it is not known whether that includes Chilliwack
workers. An FHA-owned and operated withdrawal management centre with
25-30 beds began construction in Surrey last month to replace the
existing Maple Cottage Detox. Six of the beds are dedicated to youth.
A withdrawal management unit also opened at Chilliwack General
Hospital last year.

The B.C. government has now committed a total $8 million in new money
for crystal meth and other addiction services.

In addition to the $1.9 million announced March 16, the FHA is also
getting $558,558 to hire six crystal meth outreach workers for the
health region and $1.4 million for a number of addiction measures including:

10 longer-term residential treatment beds for youth;

three "concurrent disorders" youth therapists;

a home detox pilot program in Ridge Meadows;

a clinician to liaise with family doctors to help with early
diagnosis of drug/alcohol abuse;

an addictions specialist focused on youth;

The clinician is a one-year pilot project and the addictions
specialist a fixed-term contract in partnership with the B.C.
Ministry of Children and Family Development.