Pubdate: Tue, 20 Sep 2005
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 The StarPhoenix
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Charlene Tebbutt, Saskatchewan News Network; Prince Albert Daily Herald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

P.A. GROUP WORKS TOWARD YOUTH TREATMENT CENTRE

PRINCE ALBERT -- The group backing a plan to deal with substance abuse 
issues in Prince Albert and across the province continues to work toward 
new treatment options for addicted youth.

Prince Albert members of the province-wide Project Hope group were joined 
Monday at City Hall by Graham Addley, the MLA for Saskatoon Sutherland and 
legislative secretary to the premier on substance abuse, prevention and 
treatment.

The group held meetings with a variety of officials in Prince Albert as 
plans for facilities such as a detox and 15-bed youth treatment centre, 
along with prevention co-ordinators and transition housing, continue to 
develop.

The new facilities, including a street-front outreach centre and expanded 
methadone services, were announced last month as part of a three-year 
provincial strategy. So far, the province has committed $14.7 million 
toward addiction prevention and treatment.

"I think there's good work being done, I think it's greater than a start," 
Addley said Monday.

A host of Prince Albert residents, including emergency and police 
officials, addictions counsellors, health representatives, business owners 
and members of local service groups, have been working on an addictions 
plan since early this year. Linda Nosbush, chair of the group's steering 
committee, said alcohol and drugs such as crystal meth, continue to have a 
hold on many children and families.

"That's why it's really rewarding to see that all the groups come together 
to work in this way," she said.

"I think it's an ongoing issue that we must not underestimate."

But, Addley said more work to better understand the hold alcohol and drugs 
have on youth is also key. He said the provincial government will spend 
more money on drug and alcohol surveys to pinpoint the problem.

However, northern Saskatchewan residents, young people and aboriginal 
people have already been identified as being at risk.

"Prince Albert has a number of those demographics here as well, so I would 
suspect we'll find that Prince Albert has a greater problem than some of 
the other areas of Saskatchewan," Addley said.

With much of the initial work already completed, Addley said plans for 
capital projects are in the works.

"We've done the consultations, we've got the plan, we've made the 
announcement," he said. "The capital construction costs, those are the ones 
that take longer."

The group is also planning a second community rally against crystal meth 
for Oct. 5.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom