Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jan 2001
Source: Powell River Peak (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Peak Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  4400 Marine Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 2K1 Canada
Website: http://peak.powellriver.net/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?131 (Heroin Maintenance)

AWAITING ADDICTION TREATMENT

Powell River residents on methadone maintenance are still travelling to 
Campbell River for treatment.

As of the end of September, methadone maintenance was no longer available 
in Powell River. Since that time, options for a facility have been explored.

"We've been struggling with how to do it," said Bill Crysler, chief 
executive officer of the Community Health Council (CHC).

A group was formed to look at possible sites and issues last year.

Crysler recently met with two women: one who lost a child to drugs and the 
other whose child is addicted to drugs: about methadone maintenance. He 
told members of the Community Health Council that these people believe the 
best location for a methadone clinic is at the hospital.

"They feel this is a health issue."

A reception area, a washroom, and a counselling area are needed for a 
methadone maintenance program. A local physician with experience in 
methadone maintenance is willing to be involved.

Questions about the administration of a methadone maintenance program arose 
at the CHC meeting. Currently, $1,700 a month is being paid in travel 
expenses for 21 Powell River residents to go to Campbell River for 
methadone maintenance. Crysler has been given $4,000 which is being held in 
trust toward an addiction centre which may help with the methadone clinic 
under consideration.

In the end, a motion was passed that will enable Crysler to initiate 
discussions with representatives from the local alcohol-and-drug program 
about possibly having the methadone program under their umbrella. However, 
he noted New Life Alcohol and Drug Counselling doesn't "believe in this 
program fully."
- ---
MAP posted-by: GD