Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jul 2007
Source: Northern View, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Northern View
Contact:  http://www.thenorthernview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4366
Author: Shaun Thomas

NORTHERN HEALTH TOLD OF NEED FOR NORTHWEST DETOX CENTRE

The Northwest Needs A Detox Facility.

That was the message sent to the Northern Health board during their 
July 12 board meeting by representatives from a number of communities 
in the region.

"For at least the last decade we have been concerned with the lack of 
a detox centre in the Northwest. We need to get going and get 
something in place in this part of the province," said Terrace city 
councillor Lynn Christiansen, noting that tourists to the community 
had mentioned to her the number of apparently intoxicated people on 
the streets of that city.

"We cannot rely on Prince George. Geographically it just does not 
work for us I don't know where the best place to put it would be, but 
we need something in this region."

Also speaking about the need for detox facilities in the region was 
Masset mayor Barry Pages, who noted that RCMP in that community are 
saying a rash of recent break-ins is attributed to people who are 
suffering from a form of addiction and have taken to breaking in to 
houses to try and get their fix.

Northern Health recently conducted Mental Health and Addictions 
forums in 37 communities across Northern B.C., with the individual 
community reports expected to be posted on their website in the next 
two weeks and a final report expected in September. According to CEO 
Cathy Ulrich the group is waiting for the final report before taking 
any major steps, although some steps have already been taken in some 
communities.

"Once we receive the findings of those consultations, we are going to 
have to work with the communities to address the concerns in that 
area," she said, noting that the Northwest's main concern seemed to 
be alcohol while the Northeast was more concerned with drug use.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom