GOVERNMENT MOVING ON ADDICTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

Today, Health Minister John Nilson announced the government's plans to enhance addictions services in Saskatchewan in response to initial recommendations released by Graham Addley, the Premier's Legislative Secretary on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

Effective May 1st, Saskatchewan Health will enhance HealthLine, a confidential health information telephone advice line, to provide specialized addictions counselling on a 24-hour basis for substance abusers and their families. The department will also promote the enhanced HealthLine service and raise awareness about the signs of crystal meth and other addictions with an advertising campaign.

Public information and education on methamphetamine use and its harmful effects was promised in the government's Strategic Plan for Crystal Meth and Other Amphetamines in Saskatchewan in February 2005.

"I have also instructed department officials to move forward immediately to improve the existing in-patient services available to our young people in need, using some of the new money that was set aside in this year's budget to respond to Mr. Addley's recommendations," Nilson said. "That includes $1.75 million in addition to the current $23 million already dedicated to these services."

Other initiatives to be implemented include:

· an addictions information package developed by Saskatchewan Learning will be distributed through the school systems and is now available on the Learning web site

· a partnership between Saskatchewan Justice and the Meth Watch Coalition to prevent the use of common household products to produce meth, and to work with communities to begin implementation of the Meth Watch program; and

· a request by the Premier for his colleagues to discuss interprovincial trafficking of crystal meth at the Western Premiers' Conference in Lloydminster, scheduled for May 4th-6th.

"Graham Addley's consultations illustrate what is working in our current system as well as gaps in services that must be addressed," Nilson said. "We are pleased to know that our current system is effective, and we are committed to implementing new ideas to address issues of addiction and substance abuse in our province."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083