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April 16, 2024 - 12:23 PM
The BC government has expanded its addiction treatment and recovery services in the Okanagan with 61 new beds.
The province announced an expansion of the treatment and recovery beds in its January budget and is now providing more details.
"It's devastating to see so many lives being lost to the toxic-drug crisis," Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said in a media release issued today, April 16.
"When someone makes the brave decision to reach out for help, they deserve to be met with compassionate care where and when they need it. By adding more treatment beds in the Interior, we're making sure money and distance are no longer a barrier for people on their recovery journey."
The expansion plan includes 61 beds in treatment and recovery centres that are now available in the Interior, with five more to come.
In Kelowna, 12 beds are available at Karis Support Society for supportive recovery, and five at Options Family Wellness and Addiction Centre for treatment.
In Penticton, the Penticton Recovery Resource Society has six beds available for supportive recovery.
In the North Okanagan, Vernon's Turning Points Collaborative Society has 15 beds for recovery and Lumby has 23 beds at the Red Road Recovery treatment centre.
Merritt will soon have an additional five beds operated by ASK Wellness Society.
In all these centres, the beds are operated by the BC division of the Canadian Mental Health Association and other organizations that are licensed and registered with the province.
These new treatment and recovery openings bring the total number of spaces in the Interior to 391.
"Recovery is not just about staying clean from all mind-altering substances," Lindsay-Ann Coville, a patient of Red Road Recovery Ranch, said in the release.
"I will face mental, emotional, physical and spiritual struggles throughout the remainder of my life. Using drugs and alcohol to cope is not the solution to my problems today. With the tools I've been gifted by CMHA's funding, I can stay clean through life's challenges I may face in the future."
To gain access to one of the beds, a person can refer themselves or be referred by a health-care professional or other organization. The services in the centres include a live-in environment, counselling, medication management and an emphasis on community and connecting throughout a patient's recovery.
"With an emphasis on integrating lived experiences into care, we strive to ensure that individuals experience person-centred support throughout their journey in treatment and onward into recovery," Jonny Morris, CEO of BC's division of Canadian Mental Health Association, said in the release.
"Together, through partnership and collaboration, we aim to expand the reach and breadth of these vital resources, supporting more participants to experience better health and thrive."
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