More substance-use treatment beds coming to Kelowna, B.C.

The province is investing in more addiction supports for people in the Okanagan and British Columbia.

The government announced that 26 new publicly-funded substance-use treatment beds would come online across B.C., including six beds in Kelowna.

The local beds will be operated by Karis Support Society and provide tailored support for pregnant women and women with children in Kelowna and the Okanagan.

The other beds will be located in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Prince Rupert, and the province said these beds would help as many as 250 people with addiction challenges throughout the year.

“When someone reaches out for help with their substance use, they should receive compassionate and effective care,” Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, said.

“We are expanding services across B.C. so more people have the supports they need to stabilize their lives and begin their healing journey.”

The new beds are part of B.C.’s partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association to expand treatment and recovery services throughout the province.