Government Provides Support for Northern Alcohol Prevention Programming Aimed at Youth
A Youth Action for Prevention Program in northern Saskatchewan is being expanded to include a La Ronge based co-ordinator. This additional position will allow for more young people to be leaders in their communities when it comes to educating others about the harms associated with alcohol consumption.
The program is being delivered by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute with financial support from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and in-kind support from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Corrections and Policing. SLGA will provide $100,000 to help fund the program.
“As a government we are continuing to work with northern communities to address alcohol-related harms through local solutions,” Minister Responsible for SLGA Gene Makowsky said. “This program will help young people in the north make informed decisions about the responsible use of alcohol while also encouraging them to raise awareness among their peers and community members.”
The funding has allowed the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute to hire a program co-ordinator who is located in La Ronge, allowing the Youth Action for Prevention Program to better engage youth and adult allies who live across the north.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with the provincial government to expand a program that works to build capacity among youth, adult allies and communities in order to support positive change and reduce harms experienced through alcohol use,” Saskatchewan Prevention Institute Executive Director Joelle Schaefer said. “The additional funding allows the Prevention Institute to better work directly with youth and communities across the north.”