PAGC Opens New Gambling Treatment Centre

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 13:18

The Prince Albert Grand Council is officially unveiling its new problem gambling treatment centre today.

A grand opening ceremony is taking place this afternoon at the centre’s location beside the PAGC office complex in Prince Albert.

The 10-bed centre offers inpatient and outpatient care and has been operating since March.

Patients there go through a 3-phase treatment program that can last up to 28 days.

Holistic healing is also included in the recovery initiative.

Spokesperson Alice Marchand says the grand council is trying to balance the economic benefits of its casino in Prince Albert with its social responsibility.

She notes a provincial government study in recent years has noted that Aboriginal people make up the majority of problem gamblers in Saskatchewan.

Marchand says based on her own conversations with people in the Aboriginal community, she knows people are experiencing difficulties related to gambling — especially the family members of problem gamblers.