February 12, 2021
GRANDE PRAIRIE — There is now increased capacity at a local Alberta Health Services (AHS) 21-day residential treatment program with the transition of eight beds from a former fee-for-service program, bringing the total number of publicly funded addiction treatment beds to 40.
“Alberta’s government is committed to supporting a recovery-oriented addiction and mental healthcare system,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “As part of this commitment, we eliminated daily user fees for all Albertans accessing publicly funded addiction treatment beds in 2020. We’re pleased to expand this system with these eight beds, and look forward to continuing to support Albertans in Grande Prairie and throughout the province who are experiencing addiction challenges.”
The transition of the underutilized fee-for-service Business and Industry Clinic program improves access to the 21-day residential addiction treatment program at the Northern Addictions Centre.
“We are pleased to have been able to make this shift in our services at the Northern Addictions Centre to ensure residential addiction treatment is freely available to all Albertans,” says Susan Given, AHS Executive Director of Addiction and Mental Health Services in the North Zone.
“Residential treatment can be an integral part of a person’s addiction recovery journey,” adds Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By increasing the number of beds that can be accessed for free, we are further reducing barriers to treatment. Like any healthcare issue, all Albertans – regardless of their financial situation – should be able to access the help they need. Recovery is for everyone.”
The Northern Addictions Centre residential treatment program is a 21-day intensive treatment program for men and women to learn the tools necessary to live free from alcohol and other drugs. The full program can be accessed with residential support at the centre. There are also additional addiction and mental health services and supports offered at the Northern Addictions Centre on an outpatient basis.
“Healthy communities are made up of healthy individuals,” says Travis Toews, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti. “Supporting people experiencing addiction to live a life in recovery means more of our family, friends and neighbours can contribute to the social and economic fabric of our community. I look forward to the positive difference this transition will have on Grande Prairie and area.”
Adds Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie: “The Northern Addictions Centre is a valuable support in our community. The transition of these eight beds to the free residential treatment program means Grande Prairie and area residents will have more barrier-free access to recovery supports. If you are struggling with addiction, help is available. Please reach out for support.”
Local and area residents are encouraged to call Health Link at 811 for more information about the full range of addiction and mental health services available in the community.
