Together We Can, which operates Miklat Recovery Society, has partnered with the Province of British Columbia in the planned opening of 12 new supportive recovery beds in the qathet region.
Provincial minister of mental health and addictions Jennifer Whiteside was in the community on July 15 at the site of the Miklat expansion on Arbutus Avenue in Townsite to announce the expansion of the recovery service.
Whiteside said it was important for the province to support Miklat because it is a key example of the kind of work that is being done across the province, integrating substance use and treatment care into the health care system.
“I know the relationships are so deep and profound here on the coast,” said Whiteside. “I’m thrilled we could get in on this and help bring this project home. Miklat Recovery is doing incredibly important work, so thank you for the work you bring to this.”
Whiteside said her ministry does not want people to be afraid to reach out.
“We need people to know that when they do reach out for help, that we are going to be there for them,” said Whiteside. “They haven’t done anything wrong, they are not going to get in trouble and people should not be ashamed of the circumstances that brought them to wherever they are in their lives.
“There’s a lot of trauma out there. There’s a lot of grief. For me, the only decision that we need to make collectively is how are we going to best take care of each other?”
Whiteside said the partnership between the province and the relationships that have been built here on this territory are coming to fruition in a way that is profoundly important.
“You know that no community is immune from the toxic drug crisis,” said Whiteside. “We know that mental health and substance use challenges are particularly challenging in these times. We are in a real time of volatility.
“These are times that are really hard for people who are vulnerable. These are times where we have to step up and put a net around those folks and close the gap to make sure we catch them. That is what this place is about.”
Whiteside said every single life is worth saving and whatever we have to do is what should be done.
“The determination of this community is remarkable and serves as a real example to other communities,” said Whiteside. “I am so excited about the opportunity to build on the impressive work that has already been done.”
Whiteside said there will be the opening of 14 more beds in the community, including two detox beds in qathet General Hospital and 12 new beds in Miklat.
“I am so pleased to announce there will be 12 additional treatment beds offered in this space [at Arbutus Avenue] in the coming months,” said Whiteside. “That is due to the work of Miklat Recovery, Together We Can, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the ministry coming together to be able to make this happen.
“This space, if you can imagine, will welcome people who need hope. They will come here and they will get their lives back. I can’t wait to see it up and running. It will mean that people don’t have to leave this part of the coast in order to get the treatment they need. We know how important it is when people put their hands up. The capacity we have here is really critical.”
When asked by the Peak how much the province was investing, Whiteside said she didn’t have the information close at hand, but her ministry would update the Peak. When asked how the provincial money would be distributed, Whiteside said the investment would be for operating funds.
“On behalf of the qathet Regional Hospital District (qRHD) board of directors, I am thrilled to hear of the province’s announcement to support the Miklat Recovery Centre, and the expansion of addiction treatment with 12 new recovery beds for the qathet region,” said qRHD board chair Mark Gisborne. “As the owner and landlord for the building, the qRHD remains committed to supporting the Miklat team to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their journey of recovery.”
City of Powell River is pleased to partner with Together We Can and Miklat Recovery to open a new facility that will provide additional treatment options for individuals who want to improve their health and wellness, said mayor Ron Woznow.
"Thanks to all partners and supporters in our community who are helping to make this a reality,” added Woznow. “This facility will build off of the many successes that Miklat Recovery has achieved in Powell River."
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