It is with care and compassion that Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre is suspending its services related to substance use recovery in Nunavik. The Centre’s services remain a vital need and a high priority in the region, but the quality of our services and the safety of our staff and guests are of the utmost importance. Without them, we can’t fulfill our mission.

“We know the impact of social distancing and isolation, as well as the decrease in stocks of alcohol available for sale, are additional stressors for our people with problematic substance use. This situation leads to deeper feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, anger, or boredom. We are staying up to date with regional organizations and as soon as the restrictions are lifted, we will be ready to reschedule our next cycles and plan the welcoming of our guests,” confirmed Alicia Aragutak, Executive Director.

Since March 16, 2020, Isuarsivik has been supporting the decisions of the health care authorities and complying with all its recommendations  to control the pandemic in our region. Given the seriousness of the situation, Isuarsivik decided to close its facility and to temporarily offer its centre to NRBHSS for emergency needs in the region.

Concretely, the upcoming women cycle scheduled in June and July is postponed until the region is given the green light to safely operate an inpatient program. As for the other sessions scheduled this fall, dates will be readjusted when the reopening of the centre is confirmed. In preparation of the next cycle, we have a plan to sanitize the centre, instill new safety and healthy measures for both staff and guests, and ensure quality and safety for everyone.

In reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, Isuarsivik has been proactive by initiating its first project under the Continued Care Services Division. Former Isuarsivik guests can now join a virtual peer support group called Isuarsivik Recovery Aftercare to connect and share resources amongst a community of peers in recovery. In addition, Isuarsivik launched a social campaign on Facebook in support of all those confined in their homes and living with trauma. As part of this initiative, we have put together a series of messages inspired by Inuit ancestors’ values to share compassion and nurture good faith for the difficult weeks to come.

Isuarsivik team is still connected and can be reached by email for any questions or follow-up on ongoing projects.