The provincial government has announced new funding to support addiction recovery and treatment, including in rural communities in the region.
With the drug crisis continuing to impact families across Alberta and elsewhere in Canada, efforts to help victims are both needed and welcome.
The $5 million in funding will help more than two dozen provincial organizations provide recovery-oriented care at the community level, as well as giving young people much-needed new support, officials said.
“Our focus when it comes to mental health and addiction is to ensure that every Albertan has every opportunity to improve their lives and recover from the challenges they face,” said Mike Ellis, associate minister of Health and Addictions.
“This new grant funding of $5 million will help more Albertans improve their mental wellness, engage positively with their communities, and connect with family.”
Matt Jones, minister of Children's Services, said backing the mental health and wellness of children and youth is vital to their well-being.
“These targeted investments into a variety of services will ensure more young Albertans across the province receive mental health supports helping to build stronger foundations for the rest of their lives,” said Jones.
With many overdoses from fentanyl and other drugs continuing to be seen across Alberta, including in this district, it is vital that governments at all levels work together to help youths and adults struggling with addiction.
No doubt about it, returning addicts to normal life is always in the best interest of the community-at-large.
At the same time, the targeting of the illicit drug trade, including the involvement of organized criminal groups, must also be supported by the provincial government and its stakeholder partners.
Helping addicts while at the same time allowing criminal elements to thrive and profit by drug trafficking is both counter productive and certainly not in the public’s best interest.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a sharp rise in addiction across Alberta. As such, the provincial government should be applauded for making this new funding available.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
