Health and Community Services
September 25, 2008

RAFT Raises the Billboard on Addictions Recovery

The Provincial Government is providing $50,000 in annual funding to the Recovering Addicts Fellowship Team (RAFT). The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, presented the funding today to the executive director and founder of RAFT, Brock Ballard, and unveiled RAFT�s new recovery awareness billboard.

"Our government has seen the negative impacts that addictions have on individuals and families and we are committed to ensuring quality addictions services that best meet the needs of residents are available," said Minister Wiseman. "Partnering with community groups such as RAFT, which has a unique, multi-pronged approach to provide ongoing recovery support, helps us reach those in need during a critical time in their lives."

RAFT is a non-profit organization which assists in the rehabilitation of individuals experiencing problematic substance use. RAFT supports individuals who are in recovery by helping them learn to socialize and enjoy life in a healthy environment. Along with providing education, emotional and social supports for individuals and their families, RAFT operates a drop-in centre.

"We are very honoured and pleased to have Minister Wiseman unveil our very first billboard," said Mr. Ballard. "I am thankful for the support of the Provincial Government and our partnerships that have made this possible. Addiction has no face and affects everyone in one way or another. We hope to change the stigma towards addiction so people will not feel ashamed or embarrassed and are able to reach out for help. We want people to realize there is life after addiction and it includes family, friends and supporters."

"Over the last five years, our government has invested $14.6 million in new funding to strengthen mental health and addictions services across our province," said Minister Wiseman. "We have made significant strides to strengthen resources for prevention and treatment and will continue to help those experiencing addictions issues access the help they need. I commend RAFT on the service it provides and congratulate the organization on the impact it has made on individuals and families dealing with addictions."

At today�s event, Minister Wiseman unveiled RAFT�s new billboard, which is located on the side of Stockwood�s Bakery and Delicatessen on Freshwater Road in St. John�s. It features a local family and is designed to increase public awareness of the impact that addictions have on families and to highlight the role that everyone plays in the recovery process.

Through its substantial investment, the Provincial Government has strengthened mental health and addictions services through such initiatives as the addition of 34 new positions in addictions services across the province; a new adolescent day treatment program; a new provincial addictions centre in Corner Brook; a new provincial campaign targeted towards problem gambling; and province-wide consultations on substance use.

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Photo #1: �The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, presents cheque to RAFT�

Photo #2: �RAFT�s new recovery awareness billboard located on the side of Stockwood�s Bakery and Delicatessen on Freshwater Road in St. John�s�

Media contact:
Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 25                                                    3:10 p.m.

 


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