Sarai pushing for more involuntary care options across B.C. Interior

KAMLOOPS — The Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) is appealing to the province to bring more supports to the region to handle the growing mental health, addiction, homelessness and public safety challenges.

SILGA President Bill Sarai wants the province to increase both voluntary and involuntary care and treatment capacity throughout the Interior. In Kamloops, council has suggested the use of the Kamloops Regional Correction Centre, which is well under capacity.

“We are looking at infrastructure that is already there. Just as an example, the correctional institute in Kamloops – it’s got a hospital in it, it’s secure, it’s in our region,” said Sarai. “One wing could be a health wing. Take the locks of the door and put the right people in there to help the individuals get healthy and better again.”