By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Although what “success” looks like in addiction treatment, Northumberland County Manager of Homelessness and Housing Services Bill Smith is positive about the pilot Addiction Treatment Program they operated with the Canadian Centre for Addictions
“We currently have an individual in the service right now and another scheduled to go in Oct. 10, and that will deplete the funding,” Smith reported in an update Wednesday to county council’s Social Services Committee.
He read two testimonials from individuals who regained the trust of and relationships with family members and were well into recovery.
His report shared other successes, such as being able to access a rent supplement to secure long-term housing.
“I remain very proud of bringing forward the motion that got us the funding for this program, this treatment,” Committee member Olena Hankivsky said.
Smith’s report recalled that a budget of $241,000 was approved in December 2023 to create a pilot program with the CCFA. Since then, 13 clients have entered treatment with mixed results. For example, four entered the program but did not complete it.
“County staff were also able to fund extensions for those in community beds to assist in their success,” the report added.
There was some debate on how success might be measured, but Smith was convinced.
“I think it has its place, definitely, if there was a pot of money set aside for when they are ready – and that’s the biggest thing, when they are ready – to facilitate this,” he said.
Smith also wondered if it might be possible to align with another agency in addition to the CCFA to serve this sector when CCFA is at capacity.
