NIPISSING TO GET FUNDING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS

Three Nipissing facilities will share $62,232 in additional funding to help
treat people suffering with substance abuse, MPP Monique Smith announced
Friday.

North Bay General Hospital will get $43,829, while the Half-Way House will
receive $10,550.

The Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing receives $7,853.

"Substance addiction is a very serious disease that requires specialized
treatment," said Smith.

"We're investing in Ontario's substance abuse treatment programs because we
recognize the importance of making treatment available to those who need
help. "

The funding is part of a province-wide $4 million investment that builds on
the government's $106 million annual investment to provide withdrawal
management and substance abuse treatment to more than 125,000 Ontarians,
Smith said.

"Drug and alcohol abuse tears apart lives and families," added Health
Minister George Smitherman.

"We are determined to provide those in need with the right care, in their
communities where it will do the most good."

Lisa McCool-Philbin, executive director of the counselling centre, said,
"Investing in substance abuse treatment is a tremendous benefit to those in
need of proper care."

"This announcement helps people with an addiction access the services they
need in Nipissing."

Withdrawal management services provide a program of detoxification from
drugs and alcohol, as well as assessments to help people with substance
abuse problems access the treatment and counselling that best suit their
specific needs.

Substance abuse programs provide assessment, referral, community-based
counselling and residential treatment services. Many clients use both
alcohol and other drugs and are more likely to have mental health problems.