Pubdate: Wed, 19 Oct 2005
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920
Author: Erin Fawcett

DETOX FINALLY FINDS A HOME

The Safe Harbour Society has potentially found a permanent site for a 
detoxification centre.

However, the site at 5246 -53 Ave., behind A&B Sound won't be made 
available until the fall of 2006.

"As of Jan. 1, all approvals have to be complete," said Kath Hoffman, 
Safe Harbour's residential director. "We have to be ready to open a 
temporary site at the same time."

The temporary site is proposed to be located on the top floor at 4809-48 Ave.

The Safe Harbour Society has secured funding from Alberta Alcohol and 
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) as long as all approvals are given as of Jan. 1.

If so, they will receive a $750,000 annual grant for three years from 
AADAC to operate the centre.

"If we don't open the temporary site, the funding will fall through 
and we'll have no option but to fold," said Hoffman.

The temporary facility will include a 20-bed detox centre for people 
intoxicated or high on drugs.

It will not include an overnight shelter.

The permanent site will include a 20-bed overnight mat program.

"When the shelter and the detox are combined, overnight shelter 
guests will have the opportunity to go directly to detox," said 
Hoffman. "A safe comfortable relationship with the staff will make 
that transition easier."

The non-medical detox centre will serve adults who have chosen to 
stop using drugs or alcohol, by providing them with a supportive drug 
and alcohol free environment while their bodies detoxify and return 
to a healthier state.

Hoffman said right now securing the temporary site is critical.

"Until we actually have the green light we're holding our breath and 
so are the people who really want a detox centre in the city," she 
said. "So there are a lot of people in the city right now holding 
their breath."

The city's municipal planning commission will hear an application for 
the detox centre's temporary site on Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m. in council chambers.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman