Montréal, January 18, 2019 ─ Following a rigorous assessment process, the Health Standards Organization (HSO) has designated two programs implemented by Portage drug addiction rehabilitation centres as “leading practices”. This recognition by a reputed international organization highlights Portage’s expertise in the field of drug addiction treatment as well as its commitment to continuously improving its services in order to positively impact the lives of the people it helps.
The Health Standards Organization develops standards and designs assessment programs and work methods with the objective of enabling healthcare and social service providers worldwide to focus on quality while doing what they do best: improving and saving lives.
The “leading practices” designation, awarded by surveyors who are experts in the field, indicates that, with its Maître de sa vie program and its initiative to improve access to services for youths suffering from addiction, Portage has implemented practices that demonstrate a positive change that is people-oriented and focused on safety and efficiency.
“This new recognition confirms that Portage is a leader in drug addiction rehabilitation. Our more than 45 years of experience, our cooperation with numerous partners, as well as our highly-qualified staff and willingness to innovate are some of the factors that account for the quality of the services we provide”, says Gilles Cuillerier, Director of Quality and Strategic Partnerships at Portage.
The Maître de sa vie (Program
The Maître de sa vie (literally, Master of one’s life) program, developed by Portage’s Quebec-based Day Center team is an integrated group intervention for those suffering from concomitant issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The assessment of this program showed there was a significant improvement in the well-being of its participants. A team from the University of Sherbrooke affiliated with the University Institute on addiction was involved in this project.
Access to Services for Youth Suffering From Addiction
Portage implemented a better service access for youth suffering from substance abuse at its Lac Écho adolescent program, in the Laurentians, which was inspired by the “No Wrong Door” approach. Developed in cooperation with the CISSS in the Laurentians, and with several community partners, this initiative improves access to services for youth suffering from addiction through a faster initial contact with the youth, , simplified procedures, personalized contact with a counsellor, reduced hurdles for youth seeking help, and cooperation between partners. The assessment of this practice revealed that the number of youth reached had doubled and that the development of strategic partnerships to ensure the evaluation and referral of youth through the service continuum had improved. For most of the young people reached through this initiative, this was their first contact with the addiction services network.
About Portage
For more than 45 years, Portage has helped thousands of people free themselves from their dependance. The organisation provides addiction treatment services specifically geared to the needs of adults, adolescents, expectant mothers and mothers with young children, as well as individuals with mental health issues. Portage’s rehabilitation programs provide quality services that are free of charge and are certified by Accreditation Canada as well the Health Standards Organization (HSO).
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