“Given the complex needs of some individuals who are being detained … these facilities have been designed to be medically supported so police have an alternative place where they can bring (them).”
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The province has opened the doors to a “first-of-its-kind” complex care facility in Regina, with another slated to open in Saskatoon next week.
The 15-bed pilot projects will operate as “medically supported detention facilities” for individuals with complex needs who are detained by police as a result of being intoxicated and deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, said Minister of Health and Addictions Tim McLeod in an interview Tuesday.
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Typically, police would detain a person under the Summary Offences Procedure Act (SOPA), McLeod noted, which allows them to hold someone for up to 24 hours or until they are no longer deemed at risk of harm.
“Given the complex needs of some individuals who are being detained under SOPA, these facilities have been designed to be medically supported so police have an alternative place where they can bring (them).”
The centres will be operated by Edgewood Health Network (EHN) Canada, which “specializes in treating all types of addictions and related mental health concerns,” according to the organization’s website.
EHN Canada also runs Willowview Recovery Centre in Lumsden.
There will be a 24/7 on-call physician at both new facilities as well as security personnel and support staff, added McLeod.
Regina Police Service (RPS) Insp. Shawn Fenwick says there are certain factors that will determine if an individual is taken to the complex care facility or detained by police, including if they have an outstanding arrest or are subject to an ongoing investigation.
“Folks who appear to be suffering from addictions and deemed to be in a state where there’s a risk of injury to themselves or others, that’s when we become involved to ensure folks are safe,” said Fenwick in an interview Tuesday.
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The RPS would have to call ahead to see if there is space for the individual and check if they’ve been previously banned from the facility as a result of violence toward staff.
“Addiction is a powerful thing and often we see repeat offenders,” said Fenwick, adding that he hopes a different approach will mark a positive step forward.
McLeod says a discharge plan will be developed between the facility operator, the police and the individual who was detained to determine if they are to be transported to an addictions treatment centre or other community partners. If the individual is not ready to access those services, officers transport them to the police station, where they are then discharged.
Pine Lodge Addiction Recovery in Regina is one of the community partners involved with the program. Withdrawal management, in-patient and out-patient addiction support, mental health support services, and family services will be available through the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“Whatever it might be, we will arrange a discharge plan to try and connect them to the appropriate services to get them on the right path to recovery,” said McLeod.
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The province realigned its approach to addiction earlier this year to focus on recovery, announcing plans to discontinue funding of clean pipes for drug consumption as well as information on how to reduce harm when consuming illicit drugs. The changes sparked backlash from experts and advocates.
The new facilities are the first in Saskatchewan and potentially all of Canada, according to the province.
The project received $9.6 million in joint funding between the Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Corrections, Police and Public Safety. Those funds are dedicated to an 18-month pilot program that is part of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH), which was initiated last fall.
Regina’s facility opened Tuesday and is located at a former SHA site on Pioneer Drive. Saskatoon’s facility is on Idlwyld Drive North and 38th Street West at the site of a former SLGA liquor store.
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McLeod said the province worked with both cities to determine ideal spots for both respective care facilities.
“The general public shouldn’t notice any changes in the neighbourhoods because individuals are not walking up and admitting (themselves) to these facilities and they’re not being discharged from these facilities,” he said.
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