Pubdate: Fri, 17 Mar 2006
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Copyright: Metro 2006
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jared Ferrie

PROVINCE TAKES ON METH

Minister Announces $8m In New Funding

The B.C. government launched a new $8-million offensive against
crystal meth and other addictions yesterday.

The money will go toward treatment programs and detox beds throughout
B.C.'s six health authorities.

"The number of youth addictions treatment beds will increase by
approximately 75 per cent and allows us to build capacity to ensure
youth across the province get the assistance they need," said Health
Minister George Abbott.

The funding will bring the number of addictions treatment beds in the
province up to 1,038, with 158 dedicated to youth. Of the total $8
million, $2 million will be directed specifically toward crystal meth
programs, including counselling and recovery support for addicts and
their families.

The funding comes on the heels of Premier Gordon Campbell's September
announcement of a $7 million meth strategy. Last month, Finance
Minister Carole Taylor announced $2 million over three years for a
Crystal Meth Secretariat to co-ordinate anti-meth initiatives and
develop a broad strategy.

The province also launched a meth information website:

www.methfacts.org.

treatment strategy

. Of the total $8 million, Vancouver Coastal Health will receive
$2,183,915. Fraser Health gets $1,964,558. Strategies for combating
meth and other addictions include:

Vancouver Coastal Health

. Developing a meth treatment program

. Ten new treatment beds

. Long-term residential treatment facility for youth with complex
needs

Fraser Health

. Hiring six crystal meth outreach workers

. Hiring three therapists for youth with concurrent
disorders

. Ten long-term residential treatment beds for youth with complex
needs
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MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPF Florida)