PROJECT HOPE EXPANDS TREATMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH IN NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

Additional addictions and mental health counsellors, outreach workers and mobile treatment services in communities throughout the North now provide youth and their families with enhanced access to treatment for substance abuse and addictions.

“The government is committed to expanding our ability to treat substance abuse, particularly among our youth,” Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said.  “Implementing the initiatives of Project Hope remains a top priority.  We continue to work with the Regional Health Authorities to provide accessible, flexible and effective treatment options.”

As part of Project Hope, nine positions have been added to the addictions workforce in Northern Saskatchewan over the past year.  Two are Mobile Treatment Co-ordinators hired in the Keewatin Yatthé and Mamawetan Churchill River Regional Health Authorities.  Mobile treatment is an effective method of delivering day-patient services to small northern communities.  Presently, Mobile Treatment services are being provided to youth in the communities of Sandy Bay and La Loche.

The remaining seven positions are addictions/mental health counsellors and youth outreach workers hired in the Athabasca Health Authority and the Keewatin Yatthé and Mamawetan Churchill River Regional Health Authorities.

The increase in services in northern Saskatchewan allows for greater capacity to serve youth, their families and the communities dealing with substance abuse.  These methods of service delivery for northern residents in rural and remote areas will build environments that support individuals’ recovery from substance abuse with long-term results.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca