Pubdate: Thu, 24 Sep 2009
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/P92NTYdG
Website: http://drugsense.org/url/WcGUPNub
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Martin van den Hemel

RICHMOND ADDICTION SERVICES LOSES FUNDING FROM HEALTH AUTHORITY

Richmond Addiction Services was dealt a major financial blow Tuesday 
when the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority terminated its contract 
with the organization effective the end of February 2010.

The health authority plans to integrate addictions and mental health 
services in Richmond, a plan that should better support research 
indicating that 40 to 60 per cent of people with psychiatric 
disorders also have addictions problems, and the majority of people 
with addictions have underlying mental health problems, according to 
Yasmin Jetha, director of Richmond Mental Health and Addiction Services.

"We want to thank the board members, leadership and staff of Richmond 
Addiction Services for their many years of service and dedication to 
addiction clients who have benefitted from their care," said 
Vancouver Coastal Health-Richmond chief operating officer Susan Wannamaker.

Richmond Addictions Services executive director Jacqueline Hewitt 
could not be reached by deadline Wednesday afternoon.

The addictions services agency is funded by coastal health, the 
minister of public safety and solicitor general, and a grant from the 
City of Richmond.

Formerly known as Richmond Alcohol and Drug Action Team, the agency 
is a registered non-profit charitable society and provides a wide 
range of services to local residents.
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