Province Funds Vernon Recovery Beds

Posted on 11/7/2016 5:06 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

The Vernon area is getting more provincially funded recovery beds for people struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Interior Health has given the John Howard Society the contract to run four new support beds to serve the North Okanagan, which are located at the Blair Apartments on 28th Avenue, and already active..Barb Levesque, executive director of the society, says their role is provide clients with a safe, substance-free setting. "We are supporting them in their recovery while they attend and receive counselling from Interior Health staff. And this gives people a stable place to live, daily support, social things to do and assistance with daily living," Levesque says in an interview with Kiss FM. The clients will stay at the site while they await residential treatment, return from treatment, or transition to a more stable lifestyle. "It's one of the many ways you can support addictions recovery without actually doing residential services," adds Levesque. Levesque calls the Blair Apartments a great site for the beds, as it's close to downtown and close to public transit. And we will have staff on site seven days a week to support everybody at the apartments, but certainly those needing life care support." “This is fantastic news for the residents of the North Okanagan,” says 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.” “Interior Health is working to shift the health-care system away from hospitals and towards care being provided in a community setting,” says 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.” “We’re very pleased and honoured to have these beds for residents of the North Okanagan situated here in the city of Vernon,” says 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.”