Better chance for recovery
Health minister provides update on Youth Recovery Centre in Summerside
Following an $800,000 renovation, Summerside’s Youth Recovery Centre offers modern common spaces, classrooms and treatment areas, all designed for young people.
Besides their freshly renovated digs, youth struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues also have quicker access to help since the Youth Recovery Centre opened April 1.
Health Minister Doug Currie gave an update on the project during the last week of the legislature. He told the House access has been expanded in several areas.
Intake is now done weekly as opposed to every nine weeks.
“Instead of a long lineup there is no wait time,’’ Currie said, “and people can access services when they need them.’’
Currie said there are 12 inpatient beds, which is double the number they had before. Inpatient care is offered up to 18 weeks, as opposed to eight weeks in the past. Communitybased after care is available for 24 weeks, up from 20 weeks.
Family programs are now offered in Charlottetown and Summerside, and the minister indicates that families can receive support for as long as needed.
He also noted that annual funding has been boosted from $1.1 million to $2.5 million.
Staffing now includes mental health therapists, youth addiction counsellors, youth workers, an occupational therapist, an academic youth worker, a family counsellor and various support staff.
Currie said one of the priorities is to make sure youth are supported when they go back into the community.
For example, an academic youth worker works with the youth and the school to support educational needs while in treatment. Staff also work with employers to ensure employment needs are part of the discharge planning process.
“There is no quick fix for youth and families who are struggling with these tough issues,” Currie said. But, he added, “Island youth now have a much better chance at recovery and a more productive life.’’