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Executive Council Health and Community Services August 15, 2008 New Provincial Addictions Centre Officially Opens in Corner Brook A new $3.6 million treatment centre for individuals struggling with addictions was officially opened today in Corner Brook by the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier was joined by the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East on behalf of the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services; Mayor Charles Pender, City of Corner Brook; and, Dr. Tony Genge, Chair, Board of Trustees, Western Health. "We know all too well the serious and devastating consequences of addictions for both individuals and their families," said Premier Williams. "It is critical to ensure that help is available for these individuals when they need it most. This new facility provides enhanced services for people across our province suffering from addictions so that they have the best opportunity for a successful recovery." The Provincial Government invested $3.6 million over the last three years for the construction of the new Humberwood Addictions Treatment Centre, which provides an enhanced treatment program with inpatient capacity for up to 10 people at a time and a new, non-medical detox program to provide an easier transition for clients from detox to treatment. "The new Humberwood Centre now provides the full spectrum of rehabilitative services including outpatient counseling, detox and inpatient counseling," said Minister Wiseman. "This enhanced program allows for rehabilitation in a healthy environment and a smoother transition between services so that any of our residents who suffer from addictions can receive the best and most appropriate treatment." The physical structure of the new centre includes more modern and private accommodations as well as additional space for physical activity, dining and group therapy areas. The new centre, which is the central site for addictions services in Corner Brook, also includes more office and counseling space for 13 mental health and addictions counselors. "The new Humberwood Centre certainly supports Western Health�s vision of healthy people, healthy communities," said Dr. Genge. "We have heard from both staff and clients what a difference this new facility has made in enhancing the support that staff provide to clients in need of addictions services." "In addition to providing a modern treatment centre for people across our province who are challenged by addictions, this new centre is one of several infrastructure projects being constructed right here to serve the people of this region," said Minister Marshall. "The opening of this new centre is in keeping with our government�s commitment to ensuring quality health and community services are available when and where our citizens need it." "The new addictions treatment centre will provide an exceptional rehabilitative environment for clients struggling with addictions as well as a first-class facility for addictions counselors and staff," added Premier Williams. "This new centre, along with the dementia units on Wheelers Road and the new long term care home currently under construction on University Drive, are welcome additions to the local regions infrastructure and are indicative of our government�s commitment to provide quality health care services and facilities for residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador." "The establishment of this provincial facility in Corner Brook sets a new milestone in the level of service provided through the Western Regional Health authority to people struggling with addictions," said Mayor Pender. "Government's commitment to this facility recognizes a very real need in our communities and demonstrates the province's commitment to dealing with the mental health issues of residents in a tangible manner." This new centre is a part of the Provincial Government�s investment of $14.6 million in new annual funding to strengthen mental health and addictions services across the province including $1.7 million in Budget 2008. This funding has also generated the addition of 34 new positions in addictions services across the province; a new adolescent day treatment program; a new provincial campaign targeted towards problem gambling; province-wide consultations on substance use; and, completion of a provincial gambling prevalence study. - 30 - Media contacts:
2008 08 15 10:15 a.m.
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