City of North Battleford, Battlefords Family Health Centre receive Emergency Treatment Fund grant to provide support for social challenges in the Battlefords

Additional services and supports for persons experiencing substance use disorders are coming to the Battlefords, with the recent awarding of a federal government grant.

The City of North Battleford, in collaboration with the Battlefords Family Health Centre, was selected as one of 30 successful applicants nationwide to receive funding through Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund program. The two organizations jointly submitted a proposal titled Intervention and Prevention: Tackling Rapidly Increasing Drug Use in the Battlefords. The primary objective of this initiative is to decrease overdose incidents associated with drug toxicity by implementing early intervention strategies, harm reduction measures, and integrated care approaches.

The funding, for the 2026-2027 federal fiscal year, includes the following: 

• One (1) staff position within the City of North Battleford’s Protective Services Department, which will be an Alternative Response Officer (ARO). The ARO will work in tandem with an Outreach Worker from Battlefords Family Health Centre to respond when a person experiences the impacts of substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges.       
  • The ARO will have specialized de-escalation and mental health first aid training, and will be able to coordinate and provide transportation for clients to attend health or social service agencies, or to connect them with family members and community when possible.         

• One (1) staff position within Battlefords Family Health Centre to serve as an Outreach Worker      
  • The Outreach Worker connects with people living with substance use disorders in the community, offers transportation to care and treatment services, provides referrals to healthcare providers, and ensures timely, compassionate support outside traditional clinical settings.               
    
• One (1) casual driver position with Battlefords Family Health Centre        
  • Ongoing discussions with community members and service providers have consistently revealed obstacles to safe transportation. Adding a casual driver will help address clients’ transportation needs.            
    
    
• Two (2) vehicles, along with associated costs and equipment     
  • One (1) vehicle will be for the ARO and one (1) will be for the Outreach Worker and/or casual driver at Battlefords Family Health Centre.
              
    
• Funding for client nutrition, Naloxone spray, and program supplies, including hygiene products, warm clothing, etc.     
  
  
• A training budget for all City of North Battleford First Responders, including CSOs, ARO, and Firefighters, to take Mental Health First Aid certification, De-escalation Training, and the following courses through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network: Understanding Indigenous Culture for Better Professional Practice, Understanding Community Safety & Wellbeing, and Homelessness Awareness  
  

The total funding from Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund is $438,491. Programming will begin when personnel for the ARO and Outreach Worker positions are confirmed and onboarded at their respective organizations.
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Comments from Mayor Kelli Hawtin, City of North Battleford

“This partnership between the City of North Battleford and Battlefords Family Health Centre will provide direct support for individuals experiencing mental health and addictions crises in our community, and is a reflection of Council’s commitment to collaborative and innovative approaches to enhance community safety and wellbeing. While focused on connecting people with timely care and support, this initiative will also contribute to healthier, more vibrant commercial areas - including our downtown - where community services and local businesses work side by side. We extend our sincere appreciation to Health Canada for their financial support of this important initiative.” 

Comments from Patricia Whitecalf, Executive Director of Battlefords Family Health Centre  

“Battlefords Family Health Centre is proud to partner with the City of North Battleford on creating solutions that match the needs of our community, in a way that is in keeping with our culture, and First Nation perspectives on health and wellness.”

Comments from The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health/L’honorable Marjorie Michel, Ministre de la Santé

"We recognize that local and Indigenous communities are best positioned to understand the impacts of this crisis and the unique needs of their people. Their leadership ensures that care is delivered with compassion, respect, and cultural understanding. The initiatives announced today expanded access to substance use health services, strengthened social supports, and enhanced the availability of culturally appropriate programming for those who needed it most." 

« Nous reconnaissons que les communautés locales et autochtones sont les mieux placées pour comprendre les répercussions de cette crise et les besoins spécifiques de leurs membres. Leur rôle de premier plan garantit que les soins sont offerts avec compassion, respect et compréhension culturelle. Les initiatives annoncées aujourd’hui ont élargi l’accès aux services de santé liés à la consommation de substances, renforcé les soutiens sociaux et amélioré l’offre de programmes adaptés à la culture pour les personnes qui en ont le plus besoin. »

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Media Contacts:

City of North Battleford                                                          Battlefords Family Health Centre
Candace Toma                                                                          Kent Lindgren   
Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator                   Director
306-441-0713                                                                           306-937-6810    
publicrelations@cityofnb.ca                                                      kent.lindgren@brt6hc.ca