Pubdate: Tue, 04 Apr 2006 Source: Camrose Booster, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Camrose Booster Contact: http://www.camrosebooster.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2438 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) AADAC TO OFFER MORE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) will offer more addictions services for youth and their families as part of the Alberta Drug Strategy with a recently announced budget increase. A total of $14 million will be invested across the province to enhance addiction services for youth and families ensuring the appropriate level of treatment is available to youth who are experiencing problems associated with alcohol and other drugs, including crystal methamphetamine. An additional $5 million will sustain AADAC's ability to meet demands by strengthening AADAC's network of services throughout the province. This increase brings AADAC's annual operating budget to $95 million - -- allowing for the enhancement of services and continuing the operation of 25 area offices, three urban clinics, three adult residential treatment centres, two adult detoxification facilities, two youth services centres, two youth residential and detoxification facilities, and funding support to 37 different non-profit organizations across the province offering addictions services and/or programs. "In terms of our budget, we're responding to the community by enhancing our delivery of information, prevention, and treatment programs and services," says AADAC Chair, Dave Rodney. Key actions for the upcoming year include: Continuing to provide leadership for the Alberta Drug Strategy to sustain an effective response to alcohol and other drug issues by: Opening additional youth detoxification and residential treatment beds in southern and northern Alberta; and Expanding AADAC's continuum of youth services, by leading program development, supporting regulation development, and implementing detoxification and assessment services in support of the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD) that comes into force on July 1, 2006. Establishing Health Partnerships AADAC will continue to build relationships with the health sector and other provincial partners to deliver addictions services in innovative ways. AADAC is an agency of the Government of Alberta reporting to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The Commission's role is to positively contribute to the health of Albertans through the provision of a province-wide system of addictions treatment, prevention and information services. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom