ADDICTION PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

Young people may be able to fight their battle against addictions at
home under a new youth home detox pilot program.

Fraser Health will begin the pilot project in the the Maple
Ridge-Pitt Meadows area in February.

The one-year pilot program will allow youth 16 to 25 years of age to
withdraw from problematic substance use in a stable home environment
under the guidance of health care professionals and a caregiver.

The home detox program will be an adjunct to Fraser Health's
in-patient withdrawal management facilities in Burnaby and
Chilliwack, and will provide young people greater access to support.

It's estimated that this program will see approximately 182 clients a year.

The program will be managed by the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre
(MRTC) and will include two options for youth expected to go through
a mild to moderate withdrawal.

One option will target youth who have a safe, appropriate and
supportive home environment; the other will involve a safe house for
clients who do not have a good home.

"Careful assessments will be made prior to individuals qualifying for
this program, such as to the suitability of the home environment and
whether there is a supportive caregiver to help along the journey to
recovery," said Karen Turner, the manager of health services for MRTC.

Staffing will include a psychiatric nurse, a support worker,
physician support as well as a critical volunteer component.

Meanwhile, as the Fraser Health Authority gets ready to mark its
fourth anniversary next Monday, outgoing board chairman Barry Forbes
said members have asked interim CEO Keith Anderson to continue in his role.

"With a new board chairman coming to Fraser Health our board has
determined that the most appropriate course of action is to suspend
the search for a new CEO," said Forbes.

Vancouver Coastal Health board chairman Keith Purchase will take the
place of outgoing FHA chair Forbes.