Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald Contact: http://www.paherald.sk.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) REPORT IS A PLAN TO RESTORE PRIDE Wednesday was dedicated to focusing on solutions for substance abuse problems in Prince Albert. Uniting to Heal, Prince Albert's Addictions/Detoxification Strategy was laid out for the community to see at a press conference at the Marlboro Inn. It is an impressive document. The background demographic paper by Linda Nosbush should be required reading for residents in Prince Albert for the wealth of information and insight it contains about our city. The plan itself reflects the fact that the steering committee on this issue had representation from a wide array of agencies and interest groups. The strategy details preventative measures and response plans for both immediate and long-term treatment. The plan is in place. Now the political will and cash must follow. There were seven provincial politicians in the room when this plan was presented. They saw the needs laid out clearly. They saw the community passion. We are calling on them to seek out the provincial funds necessary to move the plan from paper to action. As Nosbush made clear in her presentation, simply opening up a detox centre is not going to be enough. But finding the money for detox beds is still an important piece of the puzzle -- and a piece the politicians almost certainly will have to provide. Some of the statistics about the depth of social problems and substance abuse in our community are sad and startling. They are not a source of pride. The fact that Prince Albert's infant mortality rate is almost double the national average and the teen pregnancy rate is twice the provincial average could simply be seen as discouraging. But the efforts and co-operation shown in creating an action plan to deal with substance abuse -- and the other social issues that go hand-in-hand with it --go a long way toward creating a new sense of self-respect and hope. Looking back in 10 years and saying the goals laid out were accomplished will be an unprecedented success sure to impact the province as a whole. As the report says, "Responding here would develop a model and capacity for change in the North and in other places throughout the province." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake