Prairie Harm Reduction Shuts Down After Director Firing, Contract Losses
Prairie Harm Reduction, a non-profit organization in Saskatchewan, has announced its closure following the firing of its director and significant contract losses. The organization’s closure comes in the wake of a contract cancellation by the provincial government.
Prairie Harm Reduction’s Financial Challenges
On March 30, 2023, the Saskatchewan government issued a 30-day notice to terminate two contracts with Prairie Harm Reduction. These contracts were essential for mental health and addiction services, as well as social programs. One of the canceled contracts provided $346,000 annually for outreach and education, while another contract for family programming accounted for $2.181 million each year.
- Contract cancellations include:
- $346,000 for Naloxone access and education.
- $2.181 million for child and family programs.
Officials stated that the province does not fund supervised consumption sites, which further impacted Prairie Harm Reduction’s operational capacity. According to Lori Carr, the province’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the government emphasizes recovery over supervised drug use.
Impact on Services and Staff
As a result of the funding loss, Prairie Harm Reduction has been unable to ensure continued operations. The organization, which employs over 70 staff members, has begun transitioning youth in its care to alternative support options. The board indicated that the organization is facing a significant financial shortfall, claiming it cannot afford to cover staff salaries or ongoing operations.
Executive Director Knight discussed the distressing circumstances, citing hundreds of thousands in uncovered liabilities. He emphasized the emotional toll on both staff and individuals relying on the organization’s services. “It’s a scary time,” he remarked. “Many lives are marked by uncertainty.”
Future Considerations
Prairie Harm Reduction, located on 20th Street West, was originally established on October 1, 2020. This recent closure highlights ongoing challenges in securing funding and the need for sustainable solutions in addressing addiction and mental health issues in Saskatchewan.
Despite the setbacks, the board expressed a desire for the future of harm reduction initiatives. They hope that new organizations will arise to continue the advocacy and support that Prairie Harm Reduction championed for over 40 years.
