Calgary Drop-In Centre receives $4M in funding to expand detox and recovery services
The provincial government has committed more than $4 million to help the Calgary Drop-In Centre and Albertans looking to beat addiction.
Fifteen medical detox and 20 pre-treatment beds will be created at the centre, which can support up to 1,000 Calgarians each year.
They'll help Albertans struggling with addiction to "safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision," explained a Wednesday news release.
Overdose teams, meanwhile, will work with local organizations to respond to overdoses both at the Drop-In Centre and in the community.
The teams will triage and treat patients in the centre soon, but there is no timeline for the mobile aspect of the rollout.
"People struggling with mental health and addiction deserve compassion and support, and at the Drop-In Centre, they receive both," said Sandra Clarkson, the centre's executive director.
"We’re pleased to work with Alberta’s government to deliver critical services to those in need and help more vulnerable people in our communities pursue recovery from addiction."
Nicholas Milliken, Alberta’s minister of mental health and addiction, says the impact of the funding will be 'life-saving and life-changing' for many Albertans."
RECOVERY ROAD
The funding is the latest provincial commitment to fighting addiction with a "recovery-oriented model of care," according to Milliken.
But while the UCP government repeatedly stresses the importance of treatment, some harm-reduction advocates call the laser-focused intent a missed opportunity.
"Recovery is just one step, and we're not really talking about the other parts," said Kat Hedges with the Alberta Alliance Who Educates and Advocates Responsibly.
"What about basic access to housing, food and job opportunities? I want to see where those pieces are."
Advocates say they're disappointed Wednesday's announcement didn't include more information about the Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site, which was announced to be closed almost two years ago.
The province has yet to shutter or replace the service.
"The (Drop-In Centre) would be a great option to have a safe consumption site, and I think that's step No. 1," Hedges said.
Albertans experiencing addiction and mental-health challenges can call 211 Alberta, the Addiction Helpline or the Mental Health Helpline for support, information and referrals.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.