VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says people in Vernon-Monashee struggling with substance use and mental health challenges will soon have access to eight publicly funded treatment spaces through the Turning Points Collaborative Society.

“People need a safe, supportive environment to be able to recover from addictions and other mental health issues.” said Sandhu. “Addictions and recovery spaces can be very expensive, making individuals and families choose between getting themselves or their loved ones the help they need or making ends meet. Converting these spaces from private to public takes that burden off families and the community and ensures that the people struggling can access this important treatment.”

Turning Points Collaborative Society is receiving funding to convert eight spaces from private-pay to a publicly funded model, making treatment more accessible. Two other service providers in the Okanagan are also receiving funding for new or converted spaces: Penticton Recovery Resource Society and The Bridge Youth and Family Services.

These beds are being funded as part of the $13 million announced last fall, which is supporting more than 100 beds province-wide. The New Democrat BC Government feels this investment is an important step to address the overdose crisis.

MLA Sandhu says under the previous government investments in bed-based care did not meet demand, resulting in long waitlists and lack of service in rural and remote communities. The New Democrat government is enhancing B.C.’s response to the overdose crisis, an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for building the comprehensive system of mental health and addictions care British Columbians deserve.

This announcement is part of B.C.’s $10 billion pandemic response, which includes the Economic Recovery Plan, StrongerBC — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0004-000226