RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Henry Yao, Aman Singh and Kelly Greene say people in Richmond struggling with substance use challenges will soon have access to four new publicly funded beds at Turning Point Recovery Society.

“This investment means more people will be able to stay in a safe, secure environment while focusing on their recovery” said Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre “Our New Democrat government is proud to be delivering more of the mental health care and services that people need.”

“I know from experience that when you are on the path to recovery, having a supportive environment makes a world of difference,” said Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. Aman is himself a recovered alcoholic and active in the recovery community. “We know there is more to do, but these four beds will allow more people to recover and in turn become role models for others who are struggling.”

Turning Point Recovery Society is receiving $1,084,050 to create four brand-new beds in Richmond, two new beds at their location on the North Shore, and to convert five beds in their Vancouver facility from private-pay to publicly funded. This investment will make recovery treatment more accessible for people across the health region.

“The pandemic has created additional challenges for people in Richmond who are struggling with substance use,” said Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “Now is the time to continue to invest in treatment and recovery beds so that more people can get support they need.”

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.

The MLAs say 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