IHA FILLS ROLE FOR MANAGER FOR ADDICTION SERVICES

The Interior Health Authority has hired an addictions manager to oversee
services for the Okanagan Health Service Area.

Pat Townsley, currently executive director of Crossroads Treatment Centre
Society, will start in her new position Jan. 13.

One of her first tasks will be to review the contracts of existing service
providers.

"I want to look at the continuum of care," said Townsley, who started at
Crossroads this summer.

"I will look for gaps and how we can put together the best plan with the
services we've got."

Addictions services were put under the jurisdiction of the Interior Health
Authority last April.

Back then, Kim Marshall, the director of mental health responsible for
addictions services, said the health authority would be putting together an
addictions plan which would include a contract review.

But completion of the plan was twice delayed and service providers were
given a six-month extension to their contracts in September.

Townsley described the position of addictions manager as the final step in
completing the addictions plan. "I think that was the piece of the puzzle
needed to get the plan together," added Townsley.

She brings over 20 years experience largely with youth addictions services
on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Townsley said not many places can compare to the Downtown Eastside for
addictions problems but added that Kelowna has its own unique circumstances.

"You have a large unemployed population here and when you have a lot of
time on your hands, it's easy to get yourself in a bad way with alcohol and
drugs," she pointed out.

"You also have a very transient population, especially in the summer, which
comes with its own set of problems."

The health authority has annual budget of $10 million for addiction
services including $3.4 million for the Okanagan Health Services Area which
encompasses Kelowna.