The provincial government announced 25 publicly-funded treatment and recovery beds have opened in Northern B.C. for people seeking addiction treatment.
These 25 beds bring the total up to 190 new beds, the province announced 180 new beds in January 2024. Since 2017, the province has added more than 750 substance-use beds, bringing the total number of publicly funded substance-use beds throughout B.C. to 3,778.
The Northern BC Therapeutic Community is located 30 km away from Prince George, where the former Baldy Hughes site was. It opened in March after renovations to the building and updates to the program.
"People living in B.C.'s northern communities need access to treatment and care as close to home as possible," said Josie Osborne B.C.'s minister of health in a news release. "As we expand services around the province, it is essential that people in remote communities can also connect with the right recovery options. These new beds in Prince George mean that more people will be able to access treatment and recovery services, while removing some of the significant barriers faced by people living in rural and remote communities."
The province said the new treatment facility will give people a safe environment to build community while focusing on recovery. It will also give people the tools needed to sustain long-term success in their post-care journeys.
"When people need support in their recovery journey, every barrier removed helps them get closer to reaching their goals," said Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. in the release "The new publicly funded treatment and recovery beds will help people access the supports they need, while staying closer to home - closing the distance and removing the financial costs that could otherwise hold them back. We are grateful to work with the Province of B.C. and Connective Support Society in providing these accessible, life-changing supports."
The community is operated by Connective, a non-profit organization working throughout B.C. and Yukon to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities. People in treatments' stays will last between six and 12 months, with after-care services available for one year after program completion.
The new model focuses on rebuilding physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being using personal and social responsibility within the recovery community as a vehicle for growth and development, the release said.
"As the toxic-drug crisis continues to cause tremendous harm in our communities, it is critical that we diversify the range of supports available for long-term recovery and stability," said Mark Miller, CEO, Connective in the release. "We are eager to offer this vital northern resource to those facing substance-use challenges, and to contribute our experience in response to this urgent and under-served need."
The province is hoping to expand treatment and recovery options in all regions of B.C. with the goal of more people able find the pathway to recovery that works for them.
It has been nine years since the provincial government declared a public health emergency over the opioid crisis. Since then more than 16,000 lives have been taken by the crisis.
