FUNDING PROVIDED FOR PROVINCIAL BEREAVEMENT CENTRE

The Saskatchewan Government is providing $1.75 million in funding to Regina Palliative Care Inc. for bereavement services in palliative care.

Health Minister Don McMorris said the one-time grant will be administered through the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region to develop Greystone Bereavement Centre, a provincial resource that will offer counselling, education and teaching services.

"Saskatchewan is proud of its leadership in palliative care, and I'm pleased that our government is partnering with Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Regina Palliative Care, Inc. and generous community donors," McMorris said. "This collaboration will help build Greystone Bereavement Centre's reputation as a one-of-a-kind provincial resource that provides essential support to those who are grieving."

The Greystone Bereavement Centre will be unique in Canada, as it is the first of its kind in terms of capacity and variety of programming offered. Programs will include individual counselling, group programs and education, all supported by strong outreach and research components.

"The goal is to contribute proactively to the health and well being of grieving individuals in our province," Regina Palliative Care, Inc. (RPCI) Chairperson John Lee said. "Counselling expertise combined with education around the grieving process will ensure that each client receives the right care, in the right place, and at the right time."

"The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is pleased to be partnering with RPCI to develop a provincial resource which will support individuals through the grieving process," Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region President and CEO Dwight Nelson said. "It will also assist other service providers in developing expertise through education, support and research. The Bereavement Centre will be a valuable resource for the province."

Greystone Bereavement Centre is located within Western Christian College in Regina. It provides individual counselling and other grief support activities, including services that are culturally appropriate for Aboriginal clients. RPCI is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the enhancement of core palliative care services, including programs at home, in hospice and hospital, as well as supporting bereavement programs for children, teens and adults.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Jeff Christiansen
Regina Palliative Care Inc.
Regina
Phone: 306-530-1374