British Columbia youth and young adults struggling with serious substance use problems now have access to Ashnola at The Crossing, the re-opened and re-named 22-bed residential treatment program in Keremeos.

The new treatment program provides individuals aged 17 to 24 years with access to specialized, evidence-based treatment, education and support tailored to their unique needs in a natural environment. The comprehensive programming includes group, individual and family therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, life-skills training, high school completion, psycho-social education and aftercare planning and support.

The program was developed in consultation with regional health authority representatives, Indigenous groups, community service providers and local groups in Keremeos. It serves a unique age range of clients who are at a critical stage in their development and life path. 

When they are ready to return home, clients will be supported through comprehensive transition planning in collaboration with the client’s support network, including families, community services, local health authorities and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, to ensure they continue to thrive after leaving the program.

The program is supported by BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The Provincial Health Services Authority will fund the program, which will be operated by Pacific Community Resources Society. Central City Foundation, which built and owns the facility, is providing The Crossing facilities and the 58-acre rural site to the Provincial Health Services Authority rent-free. 

Access to the program is by referral through the client’s health authority. All regional health authorities have access to beds at Ashnola at The Crossing. Indigenous youth and youth from rural and remote communities are considered priority populations.

Budget 2017, with $165 million provided in targeted mental-health and substance-use investments, is helping government address gaps in the system. It is providing youth and families with better information and ways to navigate the system, and integrating and co-ordinating services throughout the province. The Ministry of Health spends about $1.45 billion each year to support people in need of mental health or substance use supports.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“The programs and services at Ashnola at The Crossing will give young people a chance at a brighter future as they recover and begin to rebuild their lives. The Province will continue to work with partner agencies to help support the youth and set them up for success when they’re ready to return to their home communities by connecting them to ongoing counselling and mental-health services, as well as safe and appropriate housing.”

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –

“The program at Ashnola was designed to help young adults in need identify and build on their own unique strengths, resilience and personal values to help with their healing. The individualized treatment, combined with one of the most supportive environments available, provides young adults in B.C. struggling with substance-use problems with an opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives.”

Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton –

“Ashnola at The Crossing will enhance the care and support for B.C. youth and young adults struggling with substance use issues, providing a positive, accepting and non-judgmental environment where they can focus on their recovery. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Ashnola will make on the lives of the young adults and youth struggling with substance use.”

Lynn Pelletier, vice-president, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services –

“Together, with our partners, we will provide a holistic and therapeutic service to youth and young adults struggling with substance use concerns from across the province. We will work from a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to help young people on the path to recovery reach their full potential.”

Jennifer Johnstone, president and CEO, Central City Foundation –

“Central City Foundation, its donors and partners are very pleased to see the opening of Ashnola at The Crossing to provide this critically needed service for youth and families in B.C. who are struggling with the challenges of addiction. The Crossing was custom built by Central City Foundation to be home to a long-term residential treatment program for youth with addictions. We know the program will save lives.”

Ingrid Kastens, executive director, Pacific Community Resources Society –

“We look forward to working with Central City Foundation – one of BC’s oldest and most respected not-for-profits, and our long-time partners, the B.C. Ministry of Health (PHSA/BCMHSUS) to deliver this much-needed service on behalf of B.C.’s youth, young adults and families. We are grateful for the enormous community support that exists for these services, and we are committed to delivering high-quality, caring, leading-edge services on behalf of healthy communities, young people and families across BC.”

Quick Facts:

• Ashnola at The Crossing is available for young people aged 17-24 years in need of intensive treatment for substance-use disorders and who may also have mental-health challenges.
• About 14% of people aged 19-35 years’ experience substance-use disorders.
• Rates of mental-health and substance-use disorders are highest for people aged 15-24 years, at nearly 12%.
• The word “Ashnola” has significance in the region. In addition to the Ashnola River, there are many other local landmarks that reference the Ashnola name.
• Because the name of the facility is “The Crossing,” the formal name of the program is Ashnola at The Crossing.

Learn More:

To see a photo of MLAs and stakeholders celebrating the opening of Ashnola at the Crossing: https://flic.kr/p/Sfp2UA

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services: http://www.bcmhsus.ca

Visit the new mental health digital hub to find services near you: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/find-services-near-you

A comprehensive fact sheet on services for mental-health or substance-use concerns: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-comprehensive-mental-health-and-substance-use-services-in-bc

To visit the youth mental-health services map: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/find-services-near-you/youth-mental-health-services

For further information on the Central City Foundation: www.centralcityfoundation.ca

For more information on the Pacific Community Resource Society: www.pcrs.ca