(Photo: Saskatchewan Health Authority Facebook page)
Leaders gather to celebrate the opening of the new Battlefords Treatment Centre in North Battleford.
Many guests and dignitaries were present for the event, including Indigenous leaders, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod, SaskBuilds Minister Terry Jenson, Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, representatives of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the Battlefords community, to celebrate the opening of the treatment centre.
The centre will be operated by Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres and will provide 14 withdrawal management and inpatient addictions treatment spaces.
“The 14 addictions treatment spaces opening at the new Battlefords Treatment Centre are part of our government’s commitment to adding 500 addictions treatment spaces across the province to double capacity for treatment,” McLeod said. “By helping people overcome addictions and by supporting recovery, we can save lives, heal families, and strengthen our communities.”
Poundmaker’s Lodge is recognized internationally and is regarded for its approach to Indigenous culture and spirituality. They have 50 years of experience providing addiction treatment.
“We are pleased to partner with the Saskatchewan Government to offer these unique services to all residents of Saskatchewan in addressing addiction issues,” Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres Executive Director Brad Cardinal said. “Our mission is to foster healthier, more resilient communities throughout the province.”
The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement worked with Poundmaker’s Lodge, the Ministry of Health, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) on this project of repurposing the former Drumming Hill Youth Centre and developing the Battlefords Treatment Centre.
“Opening the Battlefords Treatment Centre is an important step in ensuring timely, stable, and accessible addiction treatment spaces for individuals in the Battlefords region,” SHA Integrated Northern Health Vice President Andrew McLetchie said. “The SHA is pleased to be partnering with Poundmaker’s Lodge, which will provide culturally appropriate and safe treatment to help clients overcome their addictions and live safe, healthy lives in recovery.”
These 14 new treatment spaces at the Battlefords Treatment Centre align with the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment of adding 500 addictions treatment spaces across the province.