Prairie Harm Reduction fires executive director, puts out urgent call for support

Saskatoon’s safe injection site, Prairie Harm Reduction, has just announced the termination of its executive director and put out an “urgent call for community support.”

The organization shared in a release on March 24 that on March 5, its board of directors was advised of a “significant financial shortfall in operating funds.” According to Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR), demand for its services has increased by nearly 300 per cent.

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“It appears that in our effort to respond to that need and avoid turning people away, PHR spent more than our revenues allowed,” the release read.

Claiming a “combination of rapid growth in demand and insufficient financial management has resulted in a significant cash deficit,” the release said financial management for the organization “fell significantly short of what was required.”

The release said the investigation into the organization’s financial situation has just started, but PHR does not believe there is evidence of fraud, theft or personal misuse of funds. It is, however, short of what community, partners and funders of the organization expect, the release stated.

The board of the safe consumption site has terminated its executive director, Kayla DeMong, and has assumed operational control of the organization. It said in the release that an interim lead will be appointed to oversee day-to-day operations while finances stabilize.

External financial experts have also been engaged by the board to independently “review the organization’s finances, strengthen internal controls and advise on a sustainable path forward.”

The organization said it is in need of help to keep its doors open and continue offering its services in Saskatoon, and asked for any donations to be made online through CanadaHelps.