Released on September 12, 2007
Premier Lorne Calvert announced today the locations of three Project Hope treatment facilities for substance abuse. Prince Albert will soon become a centre of excellence for addiction treatment services in the province of Saskatchewan.
Construction of a Family Treatment Centre, a 15-bed Youth Treatment Centre and a joint Acute/Social Detox Centre for adults will begin shortly on land near the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.
"Providing treatment services for substance abuse to youth and families is a key priority of Project Hope," Calvert said. "These facilities are a big step in the right direction in our battle against substance abuse in our province."
The 15-bed Youth Treatment Centre is a partnership between the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), the Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health. The facility will provide in-patient treatment to youth aged 12 to 17 recovering from addictions.
"Substance abuse is an issue in Saskatchewan and affects many of our youth, youth who are the future of our province," Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Ron Miche said. "The PAGC is pleased to be a partner in the 15-bed Youth Treatment Centre and will operate the facility."
The new Family Treatment Centre will allow children to live with parents who are undergoing treatment. The joint Acute/Social Detox Centre will support individuals dealing with chemical substance abuse and serves individuals through a recovery program.
"Prince Albert is an excellent central location for these facilities," Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority board of directors chairperson Ray Ewanchuk said. "We are excited about our involvement in these much needed facilities."
"The second year of Project Hope has proven to be successful," Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. "The hard work and dedication of the regions, health care workers, addictions counsellors, families, those fighting addictions and the province are paying off. Partnerships are being formed, decisions are being made and work is being done."
Calder Centre in Saskatoon will receive extensive renovations to accommodate 12 permanent youth treatment beds. The Calder Centre Youth Treatment Program is a voluntary, inpatient treatment program that provides services to adolescents and families with chemical dependency issues.
The existing six-bed Secure Youth Detox facility will remain at the Paul Dojack Centre in Regina.
More information about Project Hope is available online at www.health.gov.sk.ca/project-hope-two-year-update.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca
Doug Dahl
Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-765-6409