Support for those facing addictions, mental health issues expands in Vernon

VERNON – Individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues in the North Okanagan just got some great news.

The John Howard Society of the North Okanagan has received funding from the province to create four new support recovery beds in Vernon. The society’s executive director Barbara Levesque says in a media release they expect to begin receiving clients this month. 

“Providing individuals suffering from mental health and/or substance use issues with a safe and supportive location where they can receive the support and treatment they require is at the core of our principles as a society,” Levesque says.

The four recovery beds will provide clients with a safe, substance-free setting while they await residential treatment, return from residential treatment, or transition to a more stable lifestyle.

Interior Health announced in April 2016 its plan to open 73 new substance use treatment beds, including 57 support recovery beds and 16 withdrawal management beds.

“Interior Health is working to shift the health-care system away from hospitals and towards care being provided in a community setting,” Interior Health board chair Erwin Malzer says in the release. “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.”

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