British Columbia Expands Addiction Treatment Beds to Aid Communities
British Columbia has introduced 26 new addiction treatment beds in Nanaimo, Kelowna, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, part of a broader initiative funded by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
British Columbia's minister of health has announced the opening of 26 new treatment beds for individuals struggling with addictions across four key communities over the past several months.
Minister Josie Osborne stated that the new beds, located in Nanaimo, Kelowna, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, are part of a larger initiative funded by the Canadian Mental Health Association, which includes a total of 248 treatment beds.
The new 26 spots, available at no cost to patients, are expected to assist up to 250 people, with further additions anticipated by spring.
The latest facilities feature six beds at the Karis Support Society in Kelowna specifically allocated for pregnant women and those with children, along with another six spots at Island Crisis Care in Nanaimo aimed at women who have completed previous treatment and seek long-term support.
In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, twelve beds have been established at the Harbour Light Centre for women, encompassing transgender and two-spirited individuals, and an additional two beds dedicated to Prince Rupert's 333 Recovery Program which provides culturally focused services for Indigenous men.
Osborne highlighted that this expansion is designed to dismantle barriers that underserved groups and rural communities face, ensuring no one is overlooked in their pursuit of help.
"When someone reaches out for help with their substance use, they should receive compassionate and effective care," Osborne remarked in a news release. "We are expanding services across B.C. so more people have the supports they need to stabilize their lives and begin their healing journey."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 20, 2025.
