A 20-bed treatment centre aimed at helping crystal meth users is scheduled to open in Estevan, Sask. this year.
On Wednesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $1.4 million in funding to support the 20-bed centre, which will be within existing space at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig is praising the funding which he says is much-needed as the city hasn’t had a treatment centre for 24 years.
“We’re facing the same issues as other communities,” said Ludwig. “Once people get addicted, it’s a very sad situation. Everything is focused around getting that next high.
“And it’s a very unfortunate situation. It tears families apart and it’s a heartbreaking issue that we have.”
Crystal meth has affected the City of Estevan especially in terms of crime.
“There’s crystal meth use in every community and a lot of that is associated with mental health issues as they go hand-in-hand,” Ludwig said. “In Estevan, roughly 60 to 65 per cent of our calls with police are associated with mental health.”
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