AWAITING ADDICTION TREATMENT

Powell River residents on methadone maintenance are still travelling to
Campbell River for treatment.

As of the end of September, methadone maintenance was no longer available
in Powell River. Since that time, options for a facility have been explored.

"We've been struggling with how to do it," said Bill Crysler, chief
executive officer of the Community Health Council (CHC).

A group was formed to look at possible sites and issues last year.

Crysler recently met with two women: one who lost a child to drugs and the
other whose child is addicted to drugs: about methadone maintenance. He
told members of the Community Health Council that these people believe the
best location for a methadone clinic is at the hospital.

"They feel this is a health issue."

A reception area, a washroom, and a counselling area are needed for a
methadone maintenance program. A local physician with experience in
methadone maintenance is willing to be involved.

Questions about the administration of a methadone maintenance program arose
at the CHC meeting. Currently, $1,700 a month is being paid in travel
expenses for 21 Powell River residents to go to Campbell River for
methadone maintenance. Crysler has been given $4,000 which is being held in
trust toward an addiction centre which may help with the methadone clinic
under consideration.

In the end, a motion was passed that will enable Crysler to initiate
discussions with representatives from the local alcohol-and-drug program
about possibly having the methadone program under their umbrella. However,
he noted New Life Alcohol and Drug Counselling doesn't "believe in this
program fully."