Released on October 29, 2010
Youth in Saskatchewan living with alcohol and drug problems will benefit from a youth inpatient addiction treatment facility being built in Prince Albert. A sod turning was held today to mark construction start of the new facility, which will offer a four to six week treatment program for youth ages 12 to 17.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority (PAPRHA), and the Ministry of Health.
The project will be funded entirely by the provincial government. The Ministry of Health has committed approximately $5 million for capital expenses and $1.9 million for annual operating costs.
"This treatment centre will greatly improve accessibility to addiction programs and services for Saskatchewan youth," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "Our government is committed to helping our young people live a life free from addiction. They are the future of this province, and it is imperative that they have the supports they need."
"Prince Albert Grand Council and its partners have a long history of successfully operating addiction treatment facilities in Saskatchewan. We have over 30 years experience in the treatment of Addictions," Grand Chief Ron Michel said. "We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for funding this initiative, the Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority for their ongoing partnership, and the 12 First Nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council for supporting this initiative for the youth of Saskatchewan."
The PAGC and the Ministry of Health are working in partnership with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region on program planning. The region is providing six interim youth addiction treatment beds until the facility opens.
"We are excited for this important next step towards the opening of this facility to help young people who are struggling with addiction receive the help they need to reduce their dependency," Prince Albert Parkland board chair Gord Dobrowolsky said. "It will provide a safe environment where we hope we can build a relationship based on trust and respect to assist individuals to live a healthier lifestyle."
The facility is targeted to open in September 2011.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Joan Breland
Prince Albert Grand Council
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-961-9001
Doug Dahl
Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-765-6409