Quebec and Ottawa are tackling the devastation caused by the consumption of illegal and toxic drugs as well as overdoses, which are causing more and more damage. The two governments are providing $700,000 in aid over four years to the Le CAP Estrie center in Sherbrooke.
This program is aimed at those who want to begin a healing journey.
We will not only offer treatment and social reintegration. We will also offer two sobering beds and a substitution treatment program, support for people who have an opiate addiction problem and who obtain or are at risk of obtaining toxic and unverified substances on the street. , explains the general director of CAP Estrie, Marie-Andrée Pelletier.
The governments of Quebec and Canada are granting nearly $200,000 to CAP Estrie over the next four years to help people in crisis, for a total of more than $700,000.
The difference with resources and shelters is that we, the next morning, if they want to stay, take the day, take their time, they can stay. If they want to stay for a week, they can join the program, underlines the director.
We hope that with our enchanting, relaxing site, it will allow them to rest.
A quote from Marie-Andrée Pelletier, general director, Le CAP Estrie
The daily lives of the workers will change, because they have received training for these new services. We will be able to allow the person to come here to sober up and perhaps prevent them from overdosing or from their state of health deteriorating, offering them a bed so that they can rest and be safe, specifies a worker, Marianne Lessard.
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The daily lives of CAP Estrie workers will change with the adoption of the new program. From left to right: a speaker, Marianne Lessard, the general director, Marie-André Pelletier, and an intern, Anna Wilson.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jean Arel
If this pilot project is successful, CAP Estrie may have to expand, says the director. These new services will be offered within a few weeks.
I already have a plan [pour créer] another wing expressly for women. That would free up six or eight places. That’s the first option, but before going there, we’re going to live the project, we’re going to do good reporting to demonstrate that it’s beneficial, that it’s a need, she confides .
In total, the provincial and federal governments announced aid of $2.5 million in Estrie. In addition to the CAP Estrie, the Brome-Missisquoi Youth and Families Unit will receive more than $550,000, the Jean-Patrice-Chiasson Center and the Providence Center in Granby will receive nearly $500,000 and Partage Notre-Dame will receive more than $300,000.
**Given the pilot nature of the program, what specific metrics will be used to evaluate its success, and how will this data be utilized to inform future strategies for addressing the drug crisis in Sherbrooke?**
## World Today News Interview: Tackling the Drug Crisis in Sherbrooke
**Guests:**
* **Marie-Andrée Pelletier:** General Director, Le CAP Estrie
* **Marianne Lessard:** Worker, Le CAP Estrie
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into pressing issues impacting our communities. Today, we’re discussing the critical issue of drug addiction and overdoses in Sherbrooke, and the innovative program being implemented by Le CAP Estrie to offer a path to healing.
Joining us today are Marie-Andrée Pelletier, General Director of Le CAP Estrie, and Marianne Lessard, a worker at the center, to discuss this much-needed initiative.
**Section 1: The Urgency of the Situation**
* **Interviewer:** Marie-Andrée, Quebec and Ottawa have identified the escalating crisis of illegal drug use and overdoses as a major concern. What prompted this joint funding initiative, and how significant is this support for Le CAP Estrie?
* **Interviewer:** Marianne, from your perspective, what do you see on the front lines that highlights the desperate need for these new services at Le CAP Estrie?
**Section 2: The CAP Estrie Program – A Unique Approach**
* **Interviewer:** Marie-Andrée, can you elaborate on the unique aspects of this program compared to other shelters and resources? What makes the approach at Le CAP Estrie stand out?
* **Interviewer:** Marianne, how do you envision your role evolving with these new services? What kind of impact do you hope to see in the lives of the individuals seeking help?
**Section 3: Ensuring Accessibility and Sustainability**
* **Interviewer:** Marie-Andrée, the article mentions that Le CAP Estrie aims to create a space that is both accessible and comfortable. How will this program be structured to ensure a welcoming environment for those seeking help? What types of support will be offered beyond the immediate needs of detoxification and stabilization?
* **Interviewer:** If this pilot program is successful, what are your plans for ensuring its long-term sustainability?
**Section 4: A Broader Perspective**
* **Interviewer:** This funding extends beyond Le CAP Estrie and includes support for other organizations in Estrie.
What do you see as the potential for collaborative efforts within the community, and how can this network of resources contribute to a more comprehensive solution to the drug crisis in the region?
**Conclusion:**
The issue of drug addiction is complex and multifaceted. However, the dedication and innovative spirit shown by Le CAP Estrie offer a glimmer of hope. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue the conversation, raise awareness, and work together towards lasting solutions.
Thank you, Marie-Andrée and Marianne, for providing such valuable insights into this vital issue.
