The Draft PEI Youth Substance Use and Addictions Strategy is now available online for Islanders to review. The Prince Edward Island Department of Health has been working closely with a number of government agencies and the public over the past year to research and prepare the report. Three evenings of public consultation are scheduled across PEI on December 17, 18 and 19.
Minister of Health, Doug Currie says, “Finding a long-term solution for Island youth struggling with addictions is a top priority for Government. We know that early intervention and education are key in helping young people who are tempted to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The strategy will help those who have already gone down that road. Educators, community leaders, parents and family members need to have input on the strategy as we move forward."
The public consultations will be an opportunity for education and discussion as well as validation of the Draft Strategy. The session will include a panel of experts who will present the Draft Strategy and best practices from across Canada and around the world. The sessions are being held on Monday, December 17, in the Lecture Theatre at Colonel Gray High School in Charlottetown; December 18, at Montague Intermediate School Gymnasium; and December 19, at the Three Oaks High School Cafeteria in Summerside. All three sessions will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the public will be invited to share their opinions on the Draft Strategy and provide input into what can be done to further help Island youth struggling with addictions.
Don Gorveatt, Manager of Mental Health and Addictions for the Department of Health, says, “The strategy is in draft form, it is still a work in progress. Input from the communities and families affected by addictions is needed as a provincial advisory committee comes together to provide guidance on the detailed planning which will move this important effort forward.”
These public consultations are the next steps in building youth substance use and addiction programming and services within the province. For more information and to review the complete Draft PEI Youth Substance Use and Addictions Strategy and questions to be discussed at the consultations, log onto www.gov.pe.ca/go/youthstrategy.