Interior Health is adding 17 new positions this spring to continue expanding mental health and substance use supports for people in Kamloops and the surrounding area.
“People throughout the Kamloops area will benefit from this major expansion of mental health and substance-use services,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Our government is transforming mental health and substance-use care in every B.C. community, and building a system of care that did not exist five years ago.”
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. In addition to expanding existing services, Interior Health is introducing new substance use counselling and treatment for young people.
“We are committed to strengthening the delivery of primary care, mental health, and substance use services in Kamloops,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “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.”
Planning is underway to bring services already provided throughout the community, including primary care, together under one roof.
Consolidating these primary care services with some mental health and substance use programs at IH’s 235 Lansdowne Street location will provide a better experience for patients, clients and care providers.
Over time, the mobile supervised consumption vehicle will be decommissioned and its services will transition to this clinic allowing for enhanced connections between clients and care teams.
“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,” said Interior Health medical health office, Dr. Carol Fenton.
The introduction of new and expanded supports, including the relocation of services, will occur over time as renovations and recruitment occurs.
Learn more:
To learn more about primary care and mental health and substance use services in Interior Health visit interiorhealth.ca.
To learn about the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions vision for a comprehensive mental health and substance use system of care read A Pathway to Hope.
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