Interior Health will be setting up a new supervised drug consumption site in one of its facilities at 235 Lansdowne St in downtown Kamloops. (Photo via Google Maps)
As part of its move to establish a new permanent supervised drug consumption site in Kamloops, Interior Health says it is adding 17 new positions in the City this spring.
In a statement Tuesday morning, the health authority says it is part of a move to expand mental health and substance use supports for people in the area.
“We are committed to strengthening the delivery of primary care, mental health, and substance use services in Kamloops,” IH president and CEO, Susan Brown., said, in the statement.
“Expanding these services is a vital part of our response to the toxic drug crisis and further supports the range of mental health and addictions care available in Kamloops.”
Interior Health says people in these new positions will support a variety of mental health and substance use programs including early psychosis intervention; substance use connections for youth; youth day treatment; and youth intensive case management.
The health authority also says it is introducing new substance use counselling and treatment for young people.
Planning is also currently underway, Interior Health says, to consolidate a number of existing mental health and substance use programs offered in Kamloops into a facility at 235 Lansdowne Street.
That will include a permanent supervised consumption site, and the eventual decommissioning of the current mobile site that is parked at Sixth and Seymour.
“Research shows the integration of nursing, primary care and substance use treatment programs leads to better health outcomes for people who could benefit from supervised consumption services,” Medical Health Officer, Dr. Carol Fenton said.
Interior Health says the introduction of these new and expanded supports – including the relocation of services – will occur over time as renovations and recruitment takes place.
Good news #Kamloops, we’re expanding and consolidating mental health and substance use supports to provide a better experience for clients and care providers https://t.co/uXVnYueeR1 pic.twitter.com/l8LMhyAP9z
— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) March 29, 2022
