Women on Vancouver Island will have access to more substance-use treatment and recovery services when a new six-bed healing house opens in Victoria early next year, the B.C. government announced Monday.
Coastal Sage Healing House, a community treatment facility, will accept women and non-binary people with moderate-to-severe substance-use challenges, as well as concurrent social, mental and physical health needs.
Stays will be up to 90 days, and the house will focus on providing “culturally safe and trauma-informed services” such as clinical supports, self-care activities, support groups, outings, and independent free time, according to the province a news release.
“When women make the courageous decision to come forward and get help, we want supports to meet them,” Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said in the release.
“These new beds will help more women access life-saving treatment and recovery supports, and fill a gap in services right here on Vancouver Island.”
Admittance to Coastal Sage, which will house participants from throughout the Island Health region, will be based on assessment and referral made by any clinician before going to a triage committee for follow-up.
“It is critically important for government to ensure that there are appropriate mental-health and substance-use services in place that meet people where they are,” added Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming, noting he’s pleased the facility will help those struggling.
The province says enhancing supports for people with mental-health and substance-use needs, as well as treatment and recovery options, is part of A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for building a comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care.
Photos: Island Health
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