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Staff members of the Battlefords Treatment Centre pose for a group photo during a public event hosted by the centre in August 2025. (Image Credit: file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)
quality care

Battlefords Treatment Centre earns top international accreditation

Jul 23, 2026 | 4:28 PM

Battlefords Treatment Centre has earned the highest level of international accreditation for addiction treatment following its first on-site review.

“We are the first addiction treatment in Saskatchewan that is accredited. So, we are setting a gold standard for everybody else in the province,” said Carla Jamison, community engagement officer with Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres in Edmonton, which operates the Battlefords location.

The centre received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Clinical Director Darlene Marchuk said CARF awards either a three-year accreditation, a one-year accreditation that allows organizations an opportunity to meet the standards, or no accreditation.

CARF International, based in Tucson, Ariz., is an independent accrediting body that evaluates health and human service organizations in areas including leadership, governance, client safety, organizational performance and continuous quality improvement. 

“I did a little happy dance when I learned that it’s our first review on site,” Marchuk said.

“We want to definitely thank the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, all of our Indigenous communities, the elders who have contributed, partners, clients. Without their support and collaboration, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

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In a separate statement, Battlefords Treatment Centre said the accreditation recognizes its person-centred approach to care, the integration of evidence-based practices with Indigenous cultural knowledge and its commitment to continuous quality improvement. 

Marchuk said many addiction treatment programs primarily use a Western medical model of therapy, while Battlefords Treatment Centre incorporates a holistic model that addresses “emotional, your physical, your mental, and your spiritual ” well-being.  

The centre said the accreditation affirms that evidence-based addiction treatment can be integrated with Indigenous cultural practices, Elder guidance, traditional teachings and community-based healing to support clients, families and communities. 

Marchuk said the achievement reflects the work of staff, clients, Elders, Indigenous communities, community partners and government agencies.

“It’s a big accomplishment, not only for Battleford’s Treatment Centre, but for the community itself.” 

Marchuk said the accreditation should give people considering treatment confidence in the care they will receive.

“Being an accredited organization, that speaks volumes,” she said. 

The centre said accredited treatment providers play an important role as Saskatchewan expands access to mental health and addictions services, adding the designation strengthens Battlefords Treatment Centre’s ability to support treatment and recovery while meeting international standards and the needs of Saskatchewan communities. 

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com