LONG-TERM TREATMENT CENTRE OPEN

A small town near Penticton is the site for a new long-term treatment
centre for youth and young adults suffering from addiction.

The Ministry of Health-sponsored program calls for patients between
14 and 24 years of age recovering from alcohol or drug dependencies
to stay at the 58-acre property in Keremeos for up to a year,
depending on their needs.

"Research shows that the longer a young person stays in treatment,
the greater the likelihood they will remain drug and alcohol free,"
Health Minister George Abbott said.

Community involvement remains key for the program's success.

Central City Foundation donated the property and is leading a
$6-million fundraising campaign to renovate buildings on the site.

From Grief to Action, a parent advocacy group, developed the
curriculum in partnership with the ministry.

The province, through Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, has
committed to an annual $2.4-million contribution to maintain the site
and pay for the youths' integration after graduating from the
program. Renovations are expected to be complete by September 2008.