Henwood Treatment Centre closure creates uncertainty: HSAA President
HSAA President Leanne Alfaro released the following statement in response to media reports on the closure of the Henwood Treatment Centre in Edmonton:
"The closure of addiction recovery programs at the Henwood Treatment Centre in Edmonton is deeply concerning to our members. The loss of more than 60 treatment beds in the city without any immediate replacement will only increase demand for these services, especially at a time when the opioids crisis continues to claim lives, harm communities, and increase pressure on health-care professionals across the province.
“HSAA represents approximately 20 addictions counsellors, clinical supervisors, mental health therapists, recreation therapists, psychologists, therapy assistants and social workers at Henwood who provide important support to Albertans on their recovery journey. Our members are worried about their patients and feel uncertain about the future of the critical care they provide if this program is not restored.
"Alberta needs more addiction treatment spaces, not less. HSAA is working closely with the employer to ensure all members are redeployed to treatment services in other areas and no jobs are lost. We encourage Recovery Alberta to revisit this program decision and advance strategies for opening new treatment beds in Edmonton to ensure Albertans struggling with addiction can get the professional care they need, where they need it."
For media inquiries: