REPORT IS A PLAN TO RESTORE PRIDE

Wednesday was dedicated to focusing on solutions for substance abuse
problems in Prince Albert. Uniting to Heal, Prince Albert's
Addictions/Detoxification Strategy was laid out for the community to
see at a press conference at the Marlboro Inn.

It is an impressive document. The background demographic paper by
Linda Nosbush should be required reading for residents in Prince
Albert for the wealth of information and insight it contains about our
city.

The plan itself reflects the fact that the steering committee on this
issue had representation from a wide array of agencies and interest
groups. The strategy details preventative measures and response plans
for both immediate and long-term treatment.

The plan is in place. Now the political will and cash must
follow.

There were seven provincial politicians in the room when this plan was
presented. They saw the needs laid out clearly. They saw the community
passion.

We are calling on them to seek out the provincial funds necessary to
move the plan from paper to action.

As Nosbush made clear in her presentation, simply opening up a detox
centre is not going to be enough. But finding the money for detox beds
is still an important piece of the puzzle -- and a piece the
politicians almost certainly will have to provide.

Some of the statistics about the depth of social problems and
substance abuse in our community are sad and startling. They are not a
source of pride. The fact that Prince Albert's infant mortality rate
is almost double the national average and the teen pregnancy rate is
twice the provincial average could simply be seen as
discouraging.

But the efforts and co-operation shown in creating an action plan to
deal with substance abuse -- and the other social issues that go
hand-in-hand with it --go a long way toward creating a new sense of
self-respect and hope.

Looking back in 10 years and saying the goals laid out were
accomplished will be an unprecedented success sure to impact the
province as a whole.

As the report says, "Responding here would develop a model and
capacity for change in the North and in other places throughout the
province."