New bus route improves access to addiction treatment
Supporting Island families
A new public transportation route to the Provincial Addiction Treatment Facility in Mount Herbert makes it easier for Islanders to access addictions treatment and supports.
Health PEI is partnering with the Coach Atlantic Group on the new bus route that started this week and will visit the Provincial Addiction Treatment Facility multiple times per day, Monday to Friday, at no cost to clients. Health PEI provided $20,000 in funding for the initiative.
“We know that transportation is a barrier to care for many Islanders and families struggling with addiction,” said Lisa Thibeau, administrator of addictions services east. “Having ease of access to life-saving and life-changing treatment is the first step in supporting their journey to recovery. The availability of public transportation to our facility will make it easier for Islanders to take the first step in getting the help they need to overcome their addiction.”
Bus service is available Monday to Fridays from Charlottetown to Mount Herbert:
• 9:50 a.m. leave Confederation Centre bus stop for Mount Herbert (arrive 10:05 a.m. with immediate return to Charlottetown)
• 10:50 a.m. leave Confederation Centre bus stop for Mount Herbert (arrive 11:05 a.m. with immediate return to Charlottetown)
• 12:15 p.m. leave Confederation Centre bus stop for Mount Herbert (arrive at 12:30 p.m. with immediate return to Charlottetown)
On Wednesdays, an additional bus run will arrive at Mount Herbert at 2:50 p.m. to accommodate group programming that takes place that day.
“Addiction impacts hundreds of Islanders and their families every day,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Mitchell. “We all have a role to play in supporting the health, safety and well-being of one another. As a province, we recognize the importance of working together with health care providers and community partners in identifying opportunities to make it easier to access treatments and supports.”
“We are so pleased to be working with Health PEI on this initiative to improve access to services offered at the Provincial Addiction Treatment Facility in Mount Herbert,” said Mike Cassidy, president of Coach Atlantic Transportation Services. “Transportation plays an important role in our everyday lives. As the Island’s provider of daily line run bus services and the T3 municipal transit system, being able to provide a solution that more easily connects Islanders with the addiction treatments and supports that they need is meets our daily commitment to the community.”
Several hundred Islanders actively seek addiction treatment, and several hundred more seek counseling support, at the Provincial Addiction Treatment Facility each year. The facility provides safe, supportive and medically supervised withdrawal management from alcohol and drugs, addiction education, and encouragement to further treatment.
Media contact:
Amanda Hamel
Senior Communications Officer
Health PEI
(902) 368-6135
ajhamel@gov.pe.ca