Health
British Columbia youth and young adults with substance use disorders will soon have more supports with the re-opening of an enhanced, specialized, residential treatment program at the Crossing at Keremeos facility.
Scheduled to open in 2017, the new provincial 22-bed program will provide treatment for youth and young adults, aged 17 to 24 years, with substance use disorders that have not been successfully addressed in community programs.
The goal of the new program at the Crossing at Keremeos facility is to provide evidence-based treatment, education and support to:
- reduce problematic substance use;
- improve overall health and social well-being;
- reduce the potential of criminal activity;
- reduce the risk of death due to overdose and infections; and
- successfully transition youth and young adults back to their home communities.
A team of health professionals will work together with clients and their families to establish tailored treatment plans that build on strengths and enhance motivation for recovery. Treatment will include group and individual/family therapy, access to therapeutic recreational activities, life skills training and psycho-social education so clients have tools to successfully transition back to their home communities.
When they are ready to return home, clients and their families will be supported by a network, including local health authorities and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, to ensure they continue to thrive even after leaving the Crossing.
The program at the Crossing at Keremeos is supported by BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. PHSA and BCMHSUS will provide oversight for the new program, which will be operated by a contracted service provider, who will be selected through a request for proposal (RFP) process. Central City Foundation, which owns the Crossing at Keremeos facility, is offering the space to PHSA rent-free.
To ensure that the province’s mental-health programs work effectively together, the provincial government is developing an integrated, cross-government mental-health and substance use strategy for British Columbia. This work includes a review of current child and youth mental-health programs and services. The goal is to address key gaps in the current system and ensure individuals and families can access support services early, before they find themselves in a crisis.
Quotes:
Terry Lake, Minister of Health –
“The new program at the Crossing at Keremeos will be a welcome addition to the network of services available to youth and young adults with serious substance use issues throughout B.C. — providing specialized care to meet the unique needs of vulnerable young people.”
Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –
"The Crossing will provide the state-of-the-art specialized treatment and care that young people need to launch their recovery. Once they are ready to return to their home communities, MCFD staff will work with our partner agencies to ensure the youth have the ingredients for continued success, including appropriate housing and access to the community-based health services they may need."
Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –
“The natural beauty and remoteness of this part of the province makes Keremeos an ideal location for healing and recovery. I welcome the reopening of this valuable service, which will help so many young British Columbians struggling with substance use.”
Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton –
“I commend the hard work that went into bringing back the Crossing at Keremeos as an important provincial resource for youth and young adult substance use treatment. I look forward to its opening in 2017.”
Manfred Bauer, mayor of Keremeos –
“Council and the communities in the Lower Similkameen Valley are looking forward to opening our hearts again, to help young people who are struggling with addiction back into a life free of substance use.”
Lynn Pelletier, vice president, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services –
“This is a critical stage of development for young people, where timely interventions are necessary to avoid the loss of opportunity and support skill development with a goal to achieve overall health and well-being. The program will provide a safe place, where these youth and young adults can overcome their substance use disorders and reach their full potential.”
Jennifer Johnstone, president and CEO, Central City Foundation –
“Central City Foundation, its donors and partners remain committed to children, youth and families in B.C. who are struggling with the challenges of addiction, and are pleased to see a plan to reopen The Crossing at Keremeos. There is still a critical need for this facility and its program. With years of community experience in Keremeos in providing effective care for youth and families, the reopened Crossing will save lives."
Learn More:
To learn more about how government is investing is mental health and substance use services, please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/10837
For more information on BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services visit: www.bcmhsus.ca/
For more information on the Provincial Health Services Authority visit: www.phsa.ca
For more information on Central City Foundation visit: www.centralcityfoundation.ca/
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