Pubdate: Tue, 09 May 2006
Source: Kenora Daily Miner And News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Kenora Daily Miner and News
Contact:  http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/855
Author: Shelley Bujold
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

METHADONE CLINIC MAKING A DIFFERENCE

One year has passed since the opening of the methadone clinic at the 
Morning Star Centre and Dr. Hanna Hulsbosch said it has been running 
successfully.

She said the program, which includes not only the methadone treatment 
but a lot of intense counselling and life coaching, has been making a 
difference in a lot of people's lives.

"It's amazing how these people are transforming," she said. "They're 
cleaning up, they're getting jobs, they're parenting well rather than 
chasing the drugs."

Methadone helps wean people off opiate drugs, like heroin, by 
blocking their need for its addictive cycle. Patients drink the 
methadone while being carefully monitored until they are deemed 
responsible to take it on their own.

Hulsbosch said there are 50 patients being seen currently and there 
are some new ones who inquire about the program regularly. She's at 
the centre two days per week spending as long as an hour per visit 
with her patients.

Although she feels the patients are getting satisfaction from the 
program, she said it would be interesting to get their view through a 
survey at some point.

"I'm very proud of the people," she said.

The Ontario government recently put together a methadone task force 
to help regulate clinics and look at the quality for patients trying 
to kick their habit. This comes after a large operation in Southern 
Ontario was revealed to have been abusing its privilege to offer methadone.

The clinic was running a private lab along with the practice and 
profiting from patients.

The task force is going to look at how methadone is being used, how 
to better train health care professionals, how to help a community 
establish or relocate clinics, its quality and payment models.

Hulsbosch said she agrees with the government in wanting to ensure 
quality at the clinics but is a little bit worried if they bring in 
funding only for volumes of patients. Because Kenora's is relatively 
small, she hopes the government doesn't have a set minimum number of 
patients required for a clinic to operate.

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman said this 
group of people will ensure people are getting the right treatment 
across the province.

Hulsbosch reiterated the program's impact on the community, adding 
it's been a rewarding experience to see the positives.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman