A new six-bed treatment centre offering up to three-month stays for women and non-binary people with drug and alcohol addictions will open in Victoria in January.
Coastal Sage Healing House, for those with moderate-to-severe substance-use challenges, is located in a renovated residential home in Victoria.
Island Health is not revealing the home’s location, but says it will be staffed around the clock with up to six on-site employees, the majority of whom have been hired.
An intensive two-week training period begins Nov. 21, and the centre is expected to start accepting clients early next year.
Admittance is based on referral. A potential client who does not have a family doctor can also get a referral through an Urgent and Primary Care Centre, addictions clinic, or women’s health centre.
The referral will then go to a triage committee for follow-up, according to the Mental Health and Addictions Ministry.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson, who was at Royal Jubilee Hospital to make the announcement on Monday, said in a statement that when women make the “courageous decision to come forward and get help, we want supports to meet them — no matter where they live.”
The new beds will help more women access life-saving treatment and recovery supports, and fill a gap in services on Vancouver Island, she said.
The service is open to people from throughout Vancouver Island and transportation may be provided on a case-by-case basis for those who must travel long distances.
The ministry says during their stay, women can access services including support groups and outings.
Leah Hollins, chair of Island Health’s board of directors, said in a statement that recovery is unique for everyone and the program will be welcoming and inclusive.
