June 3, 2014
Province Announces Improved Access to Addictions Treatment, Recovery for Manitoba Families with Opening of New Treatment Centre
A new addictions recovery centre will open in the coming weeks in Winnipeg, offering services for those struggling with substance use, Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Sharon Blady and Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
River Point Centre will see three addictions organizations located under one roof, enhancing partnerships and access for Manitobans who require these services, the ministers added.
“River Point Centre will offer a range of addictions services in one location, providing better access to care for those battling any number of addictions,” said Minister Blady. “We are committed to providing support to those struggling with addictions so they can get the help they need to become healthy members of our community.”
The new 85,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art facility was developed in consultation with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, the Main Street Project, the Behavioural Health Foundation and the Department of Housing and Community Development. The facility will provide improved access to addictions services, and will also include 30 housing units, which will be available to Manitobans from urban and rural areas, Minister Blady said, adding these units will provide temporary housing for individuals who are recovering from an addiction and need a short-term, supported-living environment before returning home.
“Recovery is a process and support is often required for some time. We know the longer support can be provided, the better the outcomes,” said Minister Bjornson. “The housing units at River Point Centre offer more than a warm bed; they offer peace of mind and a chance to continue to live in a supportive environment without the use of substances in their lives.”
River Point Centre will add 34 new beds to the addictions system with a total of 70 beds at the centre, Minister Bjornson said, adding that once fully operational, the centre will have the capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 individuals annually for treatment. Acentralized intake system, currently under development, will also be incorporated into the addictions system in Manitoba in the near future, he said.
The centre will offer a range of services including:
- non-medical detox;
- public awareness about addictions and substance use;
- an intensive day program (non-residential);
- a treatment readiness program providing stabilization and support prior to beginning a treatment program; and
- structured residential treatment.
“We are so pleased to work together with our partners from Main Street Project and Behavioural Health Foundation in this River Point location,” said Yvonne Block, chief executive officer, Addictions Foundation Manitoba. “These kinds of partnerships will definitely enhance the services and supports that we provide to our clients.”
Minister Blady noted the redevelopment of River Point Centre included an extensive community consultation process including community meetings and door-to-door canvassing with neighbours on Magnus Avenue. During this consultation, residents identified their priorities as community hiring, safety and security, including in the nearby park, and community access to the centre. All of these priorities were addressed during the redevelopment, she said.
River Point Centre will also provide opportunities for future connections to other service providers such as mental-health programs and social services, Minister Blady noted.
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