The Bridge Youth & Family Services has been awarded an Interior Health contract aimed at creating eight new support recovery beds in Kelowna that will serve the Central Okanagan
“Having Canada’s leading economy gives us the ability to make investments that help people who need it, including those suffering from mental health or substance use,” said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna, in a press release.
“It’s about helping people – and the people who love them – on the journey towards recovery."
The eight support recovery beds will provide clients a safe, substance-free setting while they await residential treatment, return from residential treatment, or transition to a more stable lifestyle.
“Addressing the disturbing trend in substance use is a top priority for the government and these eight new beds will go a long way in supporting individuals and families and helping us get ahead of that fight,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson.
IH announced in April 2016 its plan to open 73 new substance use treatment beds, including 57 support recovery beds and 16 withdrawal management beds. .
“Interior Health is working to shift the health-care system away from hospitals and towards care being provided in a community setting,” said IH Board Chair Erwin Malzer. “Having these beds available in the Central Okanagan meets our goal for helping our clients directly within the communities and areas they call home.”
The Bridge Youth & Family Services anticipate the eight new support recovery beds will begin receiving clients in December.
“All of us at The Bridge Youth & Family Services are excited to continue our strong partnership with Interior Health,” said The Bridge Executive Director Celine Thompson. “Providing innovative and quality services to support the health and well-being of our community is at the very core of what we do; these new beds will enhance our ability to do that.”
On July 27, 2016 Premier Christy Clark announced a new Joint Task Force on Overdose Prevention and Response. The actions being taken under the task force support the ongoing work to support and treat British Columbians with substance use issues, a key priority of government. In the past two years, the Province has opened more than 220 new beds as part of the commitment to add additional substance use spaces and ensure better access to appropriate substance use supports.