HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TAKES HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ADDICTS

Abbotsford city Coun. Ed Fast recently pressed Fraser Health Authority
addictions services director Elizabeth Warren for a promise that harm
reduction won't be forced on Abbotsford.

Warren could not make that promise, but told council members she'd take
Abbotsford's concerns back to FHA administrators.

Warren did explain that the FHA supports a "holistic" approach to the
treatment of drug, alcohol and other addictions. That includes a continuum
of options, ranging from abstinence to harm-reduction strategies that give
a range of treatment services for a variety of people with a wide variety
of needs to help them reach their goals, she said.

Harm-reduction programs such as needle exchanges or any more methadone
clinics are opposed by the city council. [It will allow for the one
methadone clinic that is located in the downtown core of Abbotsford.]

Last year, addiction services were moved from the Ministry of Children and
Family Development to the Ministry of Health. While the responsibility is
in the right place, as addiction is considered a health issue, the health
authority staff are still "trying to get our heads around what resources
there are and what we need" in the region, said Warren.

While only a small amount of clients need residential detox services,
Warren said there is a definite shortage.

She said if the FHA had the funds it would double its 22 detox beds and
look at spreading the beds around its region. She stressed the importance
of other approaches such as outpatient and home services for adult addicts,
teens and also for seniors.