THUNDER BAY — St. Joseph’s Care Group has announced plans for a new option for those under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
The healthcare group said that, as of March 10, seven “safe sobering beds” will be available at its Crossroads Centre facility on Oliver Road and will operate alongside withdrawal management services.
“It is a collaborative effort, involving staff, clients and partner organizations to make sure we have the right supports, processes and environment in place,” Andrea Docherty, the vice president of clinical and community health, was quoted as saying in a media release issued Friday afternoon.
“They have done an exceptional job in a short period of time.”
The beds are for people 16 and older who are under the influence of alcohol or other substances, but don’t require the type of care found in the emergency department or withdrawal management. Clients will use the beds voluntarily, the release stated.
Other supports, such as connections to treatment, mental health supports, traditional healing practices, and other social services will be available the healthcare organization said, adding that its Indigenous health division will provide traditional healing, system navigation, counselling and connections to elders and ceremony.
“Today, we are closing a gap in addictions services,” Janine Black, St. Joseph’s president and CEO was quoted as saying.
“These spaces represent our collective responsibility to people in crisis, offering the support needed without defaulting to emergency rooms or jail cells, which were never meant to be the front lines of addiction care.”
Eight additional safe sobering beds are expected to be opened up in late spring.
