PROVINCE HAS PLAN TO HELP ADDICTS

Strategy Links Mental Health To Addiction

THE province will spend $6.7 million on mental health and addictions
programs, including helping those hooked on crystal meth.

Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald made the announcement
yesterday at the Behavioural Health Foundation in St. Norbert.

The initiative is in a large part a recognition that many people with
addictions also have mental health issues.

"We need to tackle this to ensure people are being treated in a
timely manner so they can go on to live healthy and satisfying
lives," said Oswald.

While an alarming increase in crystal meth was flagged, the money
also targets other areas such as eating disorders and suicide
prevention. The funding will be spread out over three years and
directed at about a dozen organizations and programs.

Oswald said it acknowledges that a "one-size fits all" approach
doesn't work when it comes to treating addiction and mental health issues.

Those on the front-lines welcomed the new money.

'Tough stand'

"I want to applaud the government for taking a tough stand on crystal
meth," said Jean Doucha, executive director of the Behavioural Health
Foundation.

The funding will add a clinical therapist and a registered nurse. It
will also improve access to beds at the facility.

Some of the other highlights of yesterday's announcement include:

* Funding to develop resource materials and training for doctors and
other health care professionals to treat eating disorders

* The addition of 7.5 community mental-health workers at regional
health authorities.

* The creation of an Early Intervention in Mental Illness program in Brandon.

* Establishing and maintaining a 24-7 provincial suicide prevention
line through Klinic Community Health Centre.

* Additional funding for a 14-bed facility run by Addictions Recovery Inc.

* Two new youth outreach positions for Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

* New core funding for Dream Catchers, a program which works with
women getting out of the sex trade.

* Funding for several self-help organizations including, Manitoba
Schizophrenia Society, Anxiety Disorders Association, Canadian Mental
Health Association (MB Division) and Mood Disorders Association, to
move into a common building.

"I think the province is showing good leadership," said Carol
Hiscock, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association
(Manitoba Division) "It will really augment what's out there."

The CMHA and the other groups will move into a new building on Fort
Street early in the new year. Hiscock said it will allow clients to
access many services in one location. She said it will also allow the
organizations to draw on each other's expertise and share resources.