NORTHERN HEALTH TOLD OF NEED FOR NORTHWEST DETOX CENTRE

The Northwest Needs A Detox Facility.

That was the message sent to the Northern Health board during their
July 12 board meeting by representatives from a number of communities
in the region.

"For at least the last decade we have been concerned with the lack of
a detox centre in the Northwest. We need to get going and get
something in place in this part of the province," said Terrace city
councillor Lynn Christiansen, noting that tourists to the community
had mentioned to her the number of apparently intoxicated people on
the streets of that city.

"We cannot rely on Prince George. Geographically it just does not
work for us I don't know where the best place to put it would be, but
we need something in this region."

Also speaking about the need for detox facilities in the region was
Masset mayor Barry Pages, who noted that RCMP in that community are
saying a rash of recent break-ins is attributed to people who are
suffering from a form of addiction and have taken to breaking in to
houses to try and get their fix.

Northern Health recently conducted Mental Health and Addictions
forums in 37 communities across Northern B.C., with the individual
community reports expected to be posted on their website in the next
two weeks and a final report expected in September. According to CEO
Cathy Ulrich the group is waiting for the final report before taking
any major steps, although some steps have already been taken in some
communities.

"Once we receive the findings of those consultations, we are going to
have to work with the communities to address the concerns in that
area," she said, noting that the Northwest's main concern seemed to
be alcohol while the Northeast was more concerned with drug use.