New youth addiction treatment beds coming to B.C.

The British Columbian government says 25 new addiction treatment beds for young adults will be opening up in the Lower Mainland.

The beds, at the Phoenix Society in Surrey and Covenant House in Vancouver, will help connect young people to services and life-saving supports, the government said Thursday.

“The well-being of our children and youth is our top priority – every young person in British Columbia deserves access to the addiction services that meet their unique needs,” said Jennifer Whiteside, mental health and addictions minister. “These new addictions treatment beds in Surrey and Vancouver will help more young people and their families get the supports they need and deserve.”

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The 18 beds at Phoenix Society focus on treating young men between the ages of 17 to 24 with severe and high-risk substance use challenges.

“The beds at this location are for older youth and young men who require higher intensity substance-use care beyond what is available in their regional health authority. Our thanks to the provincial government and our partners at the Phoenix Society and regional health authorities for their collaboration and support,” said Susan Wannamaker, executive vice-president of clinical service delivery, at the Provincial Health Services Authority.

The six Covenant House beds will serve youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 living in Vancouver. An additional bed will also be available at no cost, with oversight from the Vancouver Health Authority.

Depending on patient needs, the stays at the facilities will vary, the government says.

“Youth who use substances have unique care needs that should be individualized, accessible, and non-judgmental,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer and vice-president of public health at Vancouver Coastal Health. “We are pleased to announce this new partnership with Covenant House to expand the availability of youth-centric services for young people who use substances in Vancouver.”

–With files from Cole Schisler