More Manitoba youth dying from substance abuse due to barriers accessing services, report says

Young people with addictions are facing severe barriers to access support services in Manitoba, leading to an increasing number of deaths from substance use, says the province’s independent agency representing the rights and interests of children.The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, in a 35-page report issued Thursday, identified several gaps that prevent at-risk young people from getting the help they need. Drawing on feedback from dozens of participants and more than 120 service providers, the agency found long waiting lists, geographic inequities, staff shortages and other critical limitations across the system.