Support recovery bed boost in the B.C. Interior

Sep 22, 2016 | 11:45 AM

KAMLOOPS — Five contracts have been awarded for the creation of 26 additional support recovery beds throughout the B.C. Interior.

One of the contracts has been signed with the Phoenix Centre for six support recovery beds in Kamloops.

Executive Director Sian Lewis says the beds will provide a supportive place for people to stay before returning to their regular lives after a detox program.

“They are transitional in nature, meaning that it’s not permanent housing, it is up to a six month stay. During that six month period there is a life-skills worker that works with them. It is a 24/7 service,” explained Lewis.

She says the six beds at the Phoenix Centre will be fully operational by Oct. 1.

Six more beds will be provided through Ask Wellness in Merritt.

The five contracts announced by Interior Health today are the first of ten eventual contracts to open an additional 57 beds for mental health and substance use.

The Province has committed to opening 500 substance use treatment beds in 2017.