Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jul 2007
Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Contact:  http://www.pqbnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361
Author: Tom Fletcher
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

URBAN REFORMER LOOKS NORTH TO FIGHT ADDICTION

The MLA known for tackling aggressive panhandling and  bullying in 
schools says he has found a solution to  drug addiction far from the 
high-rises of his West End  riding, and he's on a whirlwind tour of 
B.C. to promote  it.

Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt said he's had a  favourable 
reception so far to his proposal for New  Hope, a proposed addiction 
treatment retreat on a  former Canadian Forces radar station 
southwest of  Prince George.

That includes the nearest city, which has more than its  share of 
drug and alcohol problems.

"It's had some preliminary support, certainly the three  MLAs, 
Shirley Bond, John Rustad and Pat Bell, but also  Mayor Colin 
Kinsley," Mayencourt said.

The New Hope approach is based on a successful  addiction treatment 
community in San Patrignano, Italy,  which gives participants a home, 
work and treatment for  up to five years. Mayencourt says he's been 
told by  addiction specialists that between two and three years  is 
optimum. The current B.C. program consists of three  to 10 days of 
detox, followed by a 28-day program.  Mayencourt says it's not 
working, and nowhere is the  failure more evident than places like 
Prince Rupert or  Terrace where there are no detox facilities.

While some of his fellow B.C. Liberal MLAs support the  idea, he has 
to prove it is better before it can gain  official government support.

He hopes to raise $150,000 from foundations and  businesses to get 
the pilot project through its first  year. He said the New Hope 
community model will only  work with people who make a voluntary commitment.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman