HSAS joins northern communities in questioning mobile detox program

WATCH: The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan opposes the SHA and Medavie implementing a mobile detox program. Jasmine Pelletier explains.

The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) is also starting to question the Medavie mobile detox program.

“Having the funding shift to more of a private funding, we’re just concerned about what other services may also be at risk in these communities with a more private focus,” said HSAS President Karen Schmid.

Community leaders in northwest Saskatchewan have previously expressed similar concerns regarding the program.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) was unable to accommodate CTV’s request for an interview but referred to a statement they provided last week.

The statement said the SHA is working with the government to enhance existing services, reduce wait times and help more people receive treatment. It went on to say that Medavie was found qualified to provide mobile EMS supporting withdrawal management in the far northwest through a provincial request for service qualifications.

Schmid said the best people to provide services in northern communities are the people who already live and work in those communities.

“They’ve already built the necessary connections with the residents of the communities and know what is required for the services in those areas.”

She said the HSAS would welcome a more collaborative approach.

“We truly believe that, for programs to be successfully implemented, you need to have proper consultation with local leaders and those already providing the services in the community.”

The SHA said next steps towards implementing the program include continuing to obtain new withdrawal management spaces.