DR. COLLEEN DELL NAMED PROJECT HOPE RESEARCH CHAIR IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley and University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon have announced that Dr. Colleen Anne Dell is the new Research Chair in Substance Abuse.

The appointment is part of Project Hope, the three year program to prevent and treat substance abuse in Saskatchewan. The provincial government has committed $1.6 million in funding for the new research chair at the university.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Dell to this new position," Addley said. "Dr. Dell's extensive education, experience, and commitment to the substance abuse field will help to build a research focus on prevention and treatment in Saskatchewan. By basing treatment options on best-known practices, we will add considerably to the quality of services available in Saskatchewan and help to make life better for Saskatchewan families and our youth."

Dr. Dell is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University, with Associate Status at the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Throughout her academic and employment history, Dr. Dell has led, planned, and conducted research projects on addiction and substance abuse with a view to both community-level change and developing national policies. She has an extensive background in the field of substance abuse and prevention, several professional honours to her credit and has been published widely.

"Dr. Dell's work in this new research chair position will draw on our existing strengths in public health education, research, and public policy to broaden provincial and national understanding of addictions and treatment services," MacKinnon said. "The University of Saskatchewan is very pleased to be in partnership with the Province in an initiative that will have direct positive impact on lives of Saskatchewan people."

A search for the research chair began shortly after the province and the University of Saskatchewan signed the grant agreement a year ago to bring the position to the province. The new research chair position will assist in advancing knowledge in the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment, through research, teaching, training, co-ordination, policy development, programming and outreach functions. Dr. Dell will assume the position by July, 2007.

Additional information about Dr. Dell is attached.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083