Pubdate: Fri, 30 May 2008
Source: Kanata Kourier - Standard (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 Ottawa Region Media Group
Contact:  http://www.runge.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4768
Author: Blair Edwards
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

HEALTH NETWORK EYES WEST CARLETON SITE FOR 15-BED YOUTH DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE

A long-awaited treatment centre for children hooked on drugs may soon 
set up shop a few kilometers outside Kanata north.

The Champlain Local Health Integration Network is looking at taking 
over the Meadow Creek adult addiction centre, currently used by the 
Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, which plans to move out of the 
building this summer.

"We have identified a potential site at Meadow Creek and discussion 
is underway with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group," said Dr. Robert 
Cushman, CEO of the Champlain health network.

"While we cannot be certain this is the ultimate location, we are 
certainly optimistic." Cushman is negotiating either leasing or 
purchasing the land and building from the Royal Ottawa, said Sue 
Riley, spokesperson for the Royal Ottawa hospital.

Meadow Creek is located behind the Thunderbird Sports Centre, on 
Richardson Road in West Carleton. The local health network met on 
Wednesday, May 28, to discuss plans to create two residential drug 
treatment centres for youth - a 15-bed residential building in the 
west end and a five-bed facility for French speaking youth in the 
city's east end.

"This is great news quite frankly," said El-Chantiry.

"This is almost like having a hospital. I think it's a great area."

El-Chantiry said Mayor Larry O'Brien and Ottawa police chief Vernon 
White are committed to raising money for the project.

"We need greater than 20 beds," said West Carleton- March Coun. Eli 
El- Chantiry.

The need for the facilities is clear, he added, with the nearest 
treatment program for children under 16 located in Thunder Bay.

"We don't want kids that far away from home," he said.

Kanata North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson said the Meadow Creek building 
is a good location for a youth treatment centre.

"These kids need help," she said. "They're not dangerous or anything."

The Champlain health network estimates it will cost over $2 million a 
year to operate the treatment centres; it didn't provide any 
estimates for leasing or buying land.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom