With the resumption of classes this past week Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, says the addition this year of an Addictions Foundation worker on a three-quarters time basis to be working in local High Schools is an important step and he wishes the provincial government would offer financial support to increase the service.
“The Board of the Hanover School Division recognized the need for a professional counselor to deal with addictions and the challenges many youth face. I applaud them for taking this step and for ensuring that the resources are in place for the position this year,” said Goertzen. “It is a service that should be supported by the province and support should be made available so that it can continue and grow if necessary.”
Goertzen says that in discussions with local education officials it is believed that there is a need for up to two full-time addiction workers in schools for the Steinbach area alone.
“Every community has challenges with addictions. There is no shame in acknowledging that the problem exists. But the key is how the problem is responded to. The Hanover School Division has both recognized the challenge and responded, but it’s important that the province come to the table as well to ensure the needs are met.”
The part-time AFM worker will be responsible for dealing with addiction related to drugs, smoking and gambling.
Goertzen notes that the combination of early intervention counseling and information programs like DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) both reduce addiction and the social and financial costs that come with it.
