Tenders to be Issued for Youth Treatment Centres

Tenders for the construction phase of the youth treatment centres in Grand Falls-Windsor and Paradise will be issued tomorrow (Saturday, December 10). These centres will provide specialized care for youth with addictions and youth with complex mental health needs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“As we enter the construction stage, we are renewing our commitment to provide essential services that will enhance our provincial mental health and addictions programming,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “These facilities are important to all youth who face the challenges associated with addictions and mental health. Our government will continue to make important investments in all areas of health care for the people of our province.”

The tenders are for the construction of a single story, 1,900 square metre, 12-bed centre at each location. They will have a similar design and layout with three separate living quarters containing four bedrooms with private bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge area. Each centre will have a school area, a multipurpose room, a physical fitness room and a dedicated space for overnight stays for visiting family.

Contracts for the first phase of both projects were awarded this fall. This included site clearing in Grand Falls-Windsor, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and the demolition of the former elementary school in Paradise, which is expected to be completed by early 2012.

“These treatment centres represent significant steps forward in meeting a variety of complex needs,” said Minister Sullivan. “We will continue to maintain our course and build resources dedicated to treating addictions and mental health issues.”

Over the past two years the Provincial Government has invested $15.9 million to enhance mental health and addictions services, increase awareness and ensure services are strengthened throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes funding for the two youth treatment centres; planning for the replacement of the Waterford hospital in St. John’s; continued planning and development of a new adult addictions treatment centre in Harbour Grace; enhancements to child psychiatry services; and, the addition of mental health and addictions staff in rural areas of the province.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca 

2011 12 09             11:15 a.m.