Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan in Stand Off for Saturday's announcement (Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet (Lethbridge News Now)

Province investing $10 million to build two new addiction recovery centres in southern Alberta

Jul 26, 2020 | 8:00 AM

STAND OFF, AB – Premier Jason Kenney announced Saturday morning that the province will invest $10 million to build two new addiction recovery communities in southern Alberta.

An addiction recovery community is also known as a therapeutic community. It’s a form of long-term residential treatment for addiction, and is a form of therapy used in over 65 countries around the world.

Saturday’s announced investment will result in the addition of 125 new long-term residential addiction treatment beds.

The funding is a part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, which includes $25 million to support the construction of recovery communities across the province.

Five million dollars will go towards a 75-bed recovery community on the Blood Tribe Reserve, with $5 million towards a 50-bed centre in Lethbridge County.

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“This is a historic expansion of recovery-oriented services for people suffering from addiction in southern Alberta,” Kenney stated.

“Not only are we creating jobs by investing in key infrastructure projects as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, but we are continuing to expand access to treatment and recovery for everybody in Alberta.”

It was also announced Saturday that upgrades will be coming to the Fort Macleod detox centre, with the province adding 16 new publicly-funded medical detox and transition beds at the Foothills Centre.

“Foothills Detox Centre plays an integral part in the first steps towards recovery. The additional funding will allow for 16 medical detox beds at our facility to enhance our capacity, allowing us to assist more individuals in southern Alberta with their recovery journey,” said Valerie Campbell, the executive director at the Foothills Centre.

“We are extremely pleased that the province recognizes the need to increase funding and enhance service delivery for addiction services.”

An added 15 publicly-funded medical detox and transition beds will be added to Lethbridge, as well, to increase access to recovery supports for people struggling with addiction in southern Alberta.

“New publicly funded detox spaces means that Albertans struggling with addiction can access a range of services in southern Alberta. The time has come for the full continuum of care to be available for all Albertans,” said Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Five recovery communities are being built across the province.

Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson, was on hand in Stand Off for Saturday’s announcement.

“The Blood Tribe has worked hard to support members who want to live free from addiction. With a recovery community right on their lands and another nearby in Lethbridge, those fighting the ravages of addiction will have new resources to change their life,” he said.

“As we know, recovery is possible. Being close to their lands, traditions, cultures and family will make all the difference for those involved.”

Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman noted that the impact of addictions has had “devastating effects” on the community and Saturday’s announcement will be able to help those affected by addiction access the treatment and recovery they need.

The government announced a similar investment for Red Deer earlier this month.