News Release
October 13, 2006
Health - 738
A YEAR LATER, PROJECT HOPE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Saskatchewan government is strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse in the province. Since the Premier's Project Hope was announced on August 4th, 2005, government has worked with health regions and affiliated organizations to open new youth detox, stabilization and treatment beds, restrict the sale of crystal meth components and hire counsellors and community workers to help communities deal with addictions issues. "I am excited to see the progress of Project Hope in its first year," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Our vision was simple – to build a Saskatchewan in which every child has the best possible chance of growing up free from addiction. Through the work of the dedicated people involved in Project Hope in communities across Saskatchewan, we are moving quickly toward that vision." "As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, we see the solid progress on the initiatives we committed to in Project Hope," Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said. "We are ahead of schedule on many commitments, and continue to work with health regions and communities to improve treatment, education and prevention initiatives to ensure we are making life better today for families and building a better future for our youth." In the past year, Saskatchewan has enacted legislation and set up an interim unit for the short-term involuntary detoxification and stabilization of addicted youth who are considered at high risk to harm themselves or others. In October 2005, Saskatchewan Health created an Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Directorate to co-ordinate prevention and public education efforts by regional health authorities, schools and other agencies. Addley said he will make further announcements about progress on the Premier's Project Hope in the coming months. For further information, please refer to the background document accompanying this news release or visit the Saskatchewan Health web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca.-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca |