Austin Calls Impending Closure of Terrace Drug Treatment Facility Shortsighted
The New Democrat is protesting Northern Health's decision to shut down the facility at the end of the year, which will force youth addicts from the northwest to seek treatment in Prince George
Austin says evidence shows there is a need for more addictions treatment facilities in the region, not less.
"So to be closing one of the few residential treatment centres is sad, and I think it's a real blow for all the young people in this province that fall into the tragedy of drug addiction," says Austin, "because like I say, there isn't another one like it. The one in Prince George is very different, it's a longer progam. This is the only 28-day program, and I think it's very short sighted for it to be closed."
Austin says a community meeting held Wednesday in Terrace showed there's strong support for the program.
Health Minister Kevin Falcon has said addiction treatment services would be provided directly through Northern Health, rather than through a separate agency.
John Crawford -- Terrace; reported by Jeff Sargeant
