Pubdate: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Ian Bailey Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) GOV'T TARGETS METH WITH MORE FUNDS Will Pay For New Treatment Beds, Counselling, Addiction Services Crystal-meth addiction will be a key target today as Victoria announces $8 million in new funding for meth-treatment options and youth-addictions services. The money will be distributed across six health authorities. Two million dollars will be specifically targeted at crystal-meth treatment programs and $6 million to youth-addictions treatment. Health Minister George Abbott is to link the new funds to a 75-per-cent hike in the number of treatment beds for youth addictions. Under the plan, the new money will bring the total number of addictions-treatment beds in B.C. to 1,038, with 158 focused on youth. The targeted crystal-meth spending continues Liberal efforts to deal with a substance Premier Gordon Campbell has described as a "dirty, filthy drug" that "ruins people's lives." Crystal meth is one of the street names for methamphetamine, an addictive stimulant easily and cheaply made from store-bought goods. It produces an extended, extreme high, but is highly addictive and can cause brain damage. Since last September, the Liberals have announced $9 million in anti-meth funding. At the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities last September, Campbell promised a $7-million meth strategy that included a $3-million public-awareness campaign, $2 million for treatment programs and $2 million in specific funding for communities. Last month, Finance Minister Carole Taylor pledged $2 million over three years to a Crystal Meth Secretariat to co-ordinate efforts to quell the production and use of crystal meth. Now the province is committing $2 million annually, as well as the $6 million for larger youth addictions issues. Today's new money, to be announced by Abbott, is headed in two key directions. Some $6 million is aimed at increasing the capacity of treatment services for youth and to develop new services. And $2 million is being earmarked for so-called "targeted-treatment programs" such as individual and group counselling, and to support recovery for meth users and their families. Vancouver Coastal Health is due for a $454,915 share of the meth money and will today unveil a strategy of a public-information program, studies and further treatment. Some 3,000 people in the authority's area are addicted to crystal meth. Today's announcements also include the launch of a Web-based pool of information on crystal meth -- www.methfacts.org. - - - - WHO GETS THE CASH The $8 million will go to: - - Vancouver Coastal Health, $2,183, 915. - - Fraser Health, $1,964,558. - - Vancouver Island Health Authority, $1,539,324. - - Interior Health, $1,261,421. - - Northern Health, $426,662. - - Provincial Health Services Authority, $624,120. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman