after extensive renovations, the centre opened its doors on February 14, 1973, welcoming its first residential clients.” “This date, a day of metamorphosis, will go down in the organization’s history and forever commemorate the men and women who came through those doors for the very first time,” says Howlett. Fifty years later, Portage has 12 rehabilitation programs across Canada and helps close to 2000 people yearly. Driven by a vision that social action can save lives, Portage will continue its unwavering commitment to helping people with addiction. “This anniversary has great sentimental meaning for me because it is also an opportunity for me to honour the memory of my mother, who helped launch this great project.” As part of its 50th anniversary, Portage has launched its national awareness campaign, AddictionTraps, which highlights how quickly addiction can lead to isolation and showcases a youth trapped by his dependencies and unable to escape the vicious cycle of addiction. https://portage.ca/en/addiction-traps/ Substance abuse affects us all. A recently published report by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) states “In 2020, we estimate substance use (SU) cost people in Canada more than $49 billion and led to the loss of over 200 lives every day”. Between healthcare costs, loss of productivity, changing consumption patterns and increasingly toxic illicit and unregulated drugs, the report details the heavy human and financial toll of substance use. The work accomplished by Portage produces a positive ripple effect throughout society. Today, Portage remains an innovator in the field of dependency treatment. “In addition to organizing a scientific symposium broadcast to over ten countries last September, Portage also launched its first mobile application to support people completing their rehabilitation program,” says Howlett. “This new application symbolizes the modernization of the organization’s service offering and is built on our best practices regarding support and social reintegration.” Through the years, Portage has pioneered many unique rehabilitation programs tailored to various clientele, including youth, adults, pregnant women, women with young children, and adults with mental health disorders. Based on the therapeutic community approach, Portage programs foster the strengths and skills of individuals to help them live lives of sobriety filled with dignity, self-respect and achievement. For more information, please visit https://portage.ca/en/ Peter A. Howlett 7 6
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