The provincial government is calling on other providers to help come up with innovative solutions to tackle the growing issue of crystal meth and opioid use.
According to a request for proposals issued by the provincial health ministry on Sept. 12, the province is prepared to provide one-time funding of between $10,000 and $250,000 for projects with a “particular emphasis” placed on innovation.
“Drug-related harms, particularly those related to opioid misuse and crystal methamphetamine use, are creating an increasing demand on the healthcare system in Saskatchewan,” the synopsis posted to SaskTenders reads.
“Opioid and crystal methamphetamine misuse and dependence is an increasing clinical and public health concern, with significant harms and impacts on individuals lives throughout the province. The Ministry of Health is seeking applications for innovative treatment solutions with the expected outcomes of increasing access to treatment and/or improved retention in treatment programs.”
According to the request for applications document, the funding would support equipment, infrastructure, renovations or software that would facilitate treatment access; facilitate remote treatment services or promote the capacity to deliver wrap-around care int eh treatment of opioid or crystal meth dependence.
It will consider the number of patients accessing remote treatment services, the number of patients receiving wrap-around services and/or treatment default/completion rates.
While the project is emphasizing opioid and crustal meth use, it will also recognize polysubstance use, or the abuse of multiple drugs.
While the funds themselves are one-time only and will not be used for items that create ongoing costs, the project itself may extend beyond march of 2020 into 2021.
