Support is growing in the North Okanagan for those struggling with mental health and addictions.
Interior Health has announced that the John Howard Society is the successful proponent to create four new support recovery beds in Vernon that will serve the North Okanagan area.
“This is fantastic news for the residents of the North Okanagan,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. “Additional beds mean additional services and supports to get those struggling with mental health and substance use issues back on their feet.”
The four 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.
“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 North Okanagan for area residents meets our goal for helping our clients directly within the communities and areas they call home.”
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. These beds are also part of the Province’s commitment to add 500 additional substance use spaces throughout British Columbia by 2017.
“We’re very pleased and honoured to have these beds for residents of the North Okanagan situated here in the city of Vernon,” said Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund. “The city of Vernon looks forward to continuing work with Interior Health and the John Howard Society to make sure the right supports and services are available here in our area.”
The John Howard Society anticipates the four new support recovery beds will begin receiving clients in November.
“The John Howard Society is very pleased to partner with Interior Health to provide these additional support beds to the North Okanagan community,” said John Howard Society of the North Okanagan Executive Director Barbara Levesque. “Providing individuals suffering from mental health and/or substance use issues with a safe and supportive location where they can receive the support and treatment they require is at the core of our principles as a society.”
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.