Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jul 2005
Source: Hope Standard (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Hope Standard
Contact:  http://www.hopestandard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1397
Author: Jennifer Feinberg,
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ACCESS TO DETOX CENTRE NOW CLOSER

Hundreds of Fraser Valley residents struggling with drug addictions will 
now be able access a medically supervised detox closer to home in the new 
Withdrawal Management Unit at Chilliwack General Hospital.

Whereas the chemically addicted population in the valley once had to travel 
as far away as Burnaby for similar services, that's all changed now with 
the opening this week of nine beds on the fifth floor of CGH, including one 
spot for youth.

The new unit will melt geographical barriers for the FHA's addicted 
clientele, says its manager.

"Travelling, being away from family, even the cost of telephoning long 
distance can act as a significant deterrent for people seeking treatment 
for addictions," says Sherry Mumford, manager of the new withdrawal unit.

The centre will accept clients addicted to a whole range of mood-altering 
drugs, from alcohol and barbiturates, to marijuana, cocaine, 
methamphetamines, heroin and more.

"In the past it was fairly uncommon to see clients going into inpatient 
detox for marijuana use," she says. "Now we do see that from time to time."

Another "unique and important" aspect of the services, will be the attempt 
to address acute physical detox needs for clients using crystal meth, says 
Mumford.

Officials say they expect to serve about 500 clients each year in the unit.

"This service is an exciting new addition that will improve access to 
treatment for addictions. We will now be able to offer more beds, including 
one bed for youths, that are closer for residents of the Fraser Valley," 
said Frank Fung, a regional director of mental health and addictions 
services for Fraser Health. "We are proud to be expanding in a community 
that supports our full range of addictions services."

He says Chilliwack was chosen by health officials in particular for its 
central location in the valley.

The launch is part of the Fraser Health regional strategy aimed at doubling 
the number of clients who get this type of care by 2007. They want to see 
the number rise from 1,200 to 2,200.

Most clients will stay about a week in the withdrawal unit but the length 
of stay can expand up to 14 days if need be.

The fifth-floor unit at CGH is the health authority's second withdrawal 
management unit in the region.

The Burnaby unit is moving to a new, larger site under construction near 
Surrey Memorial Hospital to allow expansion to 30 beds, including six 
dedicated for youth.

Admission to both units is open to all residents of Fraser Health.

Health officials or potential clients can call the Chilliwack withdrawal 
management unit at 703-6986 or toll free at 1-866-795-0600.
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MAP posted-by: Beth