Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised today that construction of PEI's new provincial addictions facility is nearing completion, and many new and expanded outpatient addictions programs are now available in the five health regions.
Construction of the new $3.2 million facility is expected to be completed in December. Furnishings and equipment will be installed early in the new year. The Centre is expected to be fully operational by at least March 2000.
The Centre will house special treatment areas for men, women, youth and families. It will contain 25 beds for inpatient detoxification services, and 15 rehabilitation and outpatient beds. The Centre will employ many specialized addictions staff, including Dr. Marjorie Smith, provincial addictions consultant.
Minister Dover advised that during community consultations, Mt. Herbert residents asked that the hundred-year-old trees on the site be preserved. "The trees are a Prince Edward Island landmark, and Transportation and Public Works staff are to be commended for their excellent work in meeting this community need," said the minister. "Nestled among the old oak trees, the new 30,000 square foot wood frame facility blends well with the natural beauty of the site, creating a very peaceful pastoral setting for people recovering from addictions."
Several new and expanded outpatient programs are now available in each of the five health regions. Many services previously offered in Souris, Charlottetown and Summerside are now being enhanced and offered as well in Montague and Alberton where there were very limited services before.
Women-specific programs are now being developed for implementation in the spring. A gambling-specific treatment program is also being developed and will be announced soon.
Eastern Kings and Southern Kings
Student Assistance Programs are now being offered at Souris and Morell High Schools to provide education and prevention programs for students who may be at risk for addictions. A new Youth Addictions Counsellor, Michael Doiron has been hired.
Eight youth are now participating in a new seven-week treatment program for youth harmfully involved in drugs and or alcohol. The program includes education and group therapy sessions, as well as individual counselling for youth and their families.
Eastern and Southern Kings Health Authorities are working together to hire an additional counsellor to provide family and rehab services for chemically dependent adults.
Inpatient detoxification services will continue to be offered at the Souris facility until the new provincial inpatient facility opens. Outpatient detoxification services will be introduced in December at the Souris site.
The previous Eastern School Board offices at Douses Road are now being renovated to house new outpatient addictions services in Montague, including outpatient detoxification, rehab, adolescent assessment and treatment, family programs and evening early intervention programs.
Queens Region:
Two new Youth Addictions Counsellors have been hired in Queens. The Student Assistance Program is now being offered at seven Queens Region schools, as well as alternative education programs.
Day detox programs are now being offered in Queens for clients withdrawing from alcohol and/or other drugs who after assessment, do not require inpatient services to safely and effectively withdraw from chemicals. Outpatient client support and counselling services are also offered to clients trying to stay off chemicals.
A second Family Counsellor was recently hired and a new revamped Family Program is now available every Monday night. Four information programs and four group therapy sessions are offered to help people deal with their own family issues through counselling and peer support.
A new walk-in service is also available each morning at McGill Centre for adolescents and families requesting assessment and counselling. No appointment is necessary.
East Prince:
Two new Youth Addictions Counsellors have been hired in East Prince, Danny Creelman and Shannon Connolly. The Student Assistance Program is now being offered at Summerside Intermediate and Kensington Intermediate schools, and later in the year at Three Oaks and Evangeline schools. A new anger management program is also being developed for adolescents.
Outpatient detoxification programs will be introduced at the existing Summerside facility beginning November 15, 1999. One three-bed room is being converted to provide space and resources for the new service which will include outpatient assessment, counselling, withdrawal management and follow-up by addictions nurses and counsellors. Inpatient detoxification services will also continue to be offered at the Summerside facility until the new provincial facility opens.
West Prince:
A Youth Addictions Counsellor, Sandra Ramsay has been hired as well as a full-time Adult Counsellor. A family counsellor is now being hired. The Student Assistance Program is being offered now at Westisle School, and later at Hernwood and ME Callaghan schools.
Adolescent and family assessment and counselling services are now available for the first time. Outpatient detoxification services will be introduced in the spring. West Prince Addiction services are offered from Western Hospital.