MSD: We’re In and We’re Excited!

It’s the biggest change in gss history…

After 40 years in Edmonton's inner city, our Medically Supported Detox (MSD) program has moved to west Jasper Place. The new facility is a total transformation. Anyone who’s visited the downtown site knows it was ‘cozy’ and well-used with almost no windows. The new MSD site is the opposite—fully renovated with two floors, it seems to have windows and light everywhere—and will serve over 45% more clients.

The grand opening on September 16th was a big event with the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Rick Wilson, opening the celebrations. The Minister, the GSS Board Chair, Devon Jones, and our CEO, Dawn-Marie Diab, spoke to the important role the MSD will play in the continuum of recovery services in the community. Dawn-Marie acknowledged the contributions of Lorette Garrick, our former CEO, to the agency and to making the new MSD site a reality. After the opening remarks, attendees moved outside and were all smiles as Minister Wilson wielded large scissors for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

What does the new facility mean for the MSD program and staff? Lindy Dowhaniuk, Director of Health Services, describes the impact:  

“Moving into the new building has transformed our program. It’s changed how we think, how we work,  how we care for people, and how they experience care from us. The natural light, windows, and space have made a huge difference. Staff now have room to work, and clients have places to stretch, play games, or just talk.

We’re already seeing the impact. Staff are taking pride in their work and bringing forward new ideas. Clients are taking ownership of their environment too helping with things like sweeping, mopping, or cleaning windows. The sense of accountability, ownership, and comfort in this space has quickly built a real community. We couldn’t be happier.”

That enthusiasm is echoed by former clients. Leah-anne Graham, Detox Program Manager,  shared this feedback from a long-time client of the SCS who, later, stayed in Detox and an Extended Stay (pre-treatment) bed before going off to treatment. After treatment, he was housed at Canora Place where he continues to live. At the Open House, while looking out the windows upstairs and over the transit centre and street he commented,

“People will feel like a part of society now, they can see everyone coming and going about their lives, and feel a part of that, not hidden away”.

This is a major landmark development for the agency that  reflects local and provincial recognition of the high-quality service delivered across the George Spady Society. Congratulations MSD and everyone at GSS!