STAND OFF, Alta. — The Alberta government is giving money to the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta to add beds to its safe withdrawal site and to bolster its police force.
Up to $2.2 million per year will help expand the Bringing the Spirit Home site to 24 beds from six beds.
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan says that will provide addiction services for an additional 1,200 people per year.
The site provides clients medical detox services and 24-hour clinical care for 10 to 14 days.
There's currently a waiting list to enter the facility.
About $480,000 more is also going to the Blood Tribe Police Service to hire five additional officers.
"Along with providing more access to treatment, we believe in a balanced approach to drug addiction that includes ensuring police have the ability to target criminals who prey on vulnerable Albertans by selling illicit drugs," Alberta Minister Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer said in a news release.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2020
The Canadian Press