Addiction support services receive federal funding
- EFN Staff | April 26, 2015
Prescription drug abuse is a significant public health and safety concern in North America. Drugs like opioids, sedative-hypnotics and stimulants are legal and have proven therapeutic benefits, but they also have a high potential for harms such as addiction, withdrawal, injury, and death.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, recently announced funding that will enhance access to addictions supports for prescription drug abuse (PDA) for First Nations living on-reserve across the country.
Saskatchewan First Nations and partners will receive more than $2.6 million of this funding, which will provide existing treatment centres with more money to tailor effective interventions and enhanced support for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. It will also fund prevention training activities for staff who treat individuals battling prescription drug addiction, and a prescription drug abuse crisis intervention team: a group of PDA specialists who can advise caregivers in treatment facilities on the best way to manage clients with severe PDA issues. The team will be co-ordinated through two regional hubs, one in Saskatchewan and one in Manitoba.
“This investment is another step toward improving the health and well-being of First Nations through a collaborative approach for better health outcomes. We must take every opportunity to support healthier families with a needs-based patient first approach," said Kimberly Jonathan, Interim Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.
In Saskatchewan, the crisis intervention team will be coordinated through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan to support enhanced crisis management to First Nations. Prescription Drug Abuse experts will now be available to support First Nations in the development of work plans and approaches to address PDA in their community context and link them to additional services and supports. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan will establish a community of practice and a bank of knowledge and best practise information to enhance PDA approaches in Saskatchewan and across the country.
"This announcement will assist First Nations in addressing the unique challenges that we face, including the need to develop grass roots approaches to addressing substance abuse,” added Marie-Anne Daywalker-Pelletier Chief of the Okanese First Nation.
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