Portage celebrates its 39th birthday

MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - It was on February 14, 1973, that the very first Portage substance abuse rehabilitation centre opened its doors to ten substance abusers, on a thirty-five acre property in the Laurentian Mountains, located 45 minutes from Montréal. Today, thirty-nine years later, the lac Écho campus in Prévost can accommodate up to 130 residents - ninety adults and forty adolescents, as they work to overcome their substance abuse issues.

Close to 300 members of the Portage community - employees and residents of the Portage centres in the Montréal area, along with board members and friends - will gather on the original campus today to celebrate Portage's 39^th anniversary. The day's events will feature a talent show by the residents, a community lunch, plenty outdoor activities, and a bonfire.

"After providing thirty-nine years of service, Portage has many reasons to celebrate: our roots in the community, the dedication and commitment of our staff, and, above all, the success of our clients - tens of thousands of people who have been freed from their addiction problems," states François Bourdon, director of the Portage Prévost centre.

About Portage

Since 1970, Portage has helped tens of thousands of people to overcome their drug addiction problems. The organisation offers a multitude of services tailored to the needs of its various clienteles, including programs for adults, adolescents, mothers with young children, pregnant women, and substance abusers with mental health problems. Portage operates seven substance abuse treatment centers across Québec, with facilities in Montréal, Beaconsfield, Prévost (the Laurentians), Québec City, and Saint-Malachie (Chaudière-Appalaches). Three other establishments serve the populations of Ontario, British Colombia, and Atlantic Canada.

For more information: www.portage.ca or by telephone at 514-939-0202.

For further information:

Seychelle Harding
Director of Communications
Portage
Telephone: [phone], extension 118
Email: [e-mail]