Day One Society Unveils New Youth Detox Beds

Kamloops, B.C. – Day One Society, formerly, the Kamloops Society for Alcohol and Drug Services, unveiled their new youth withdrawal management – or “detox” – beds, on Monday, June 26. The event marked a significant milestone for the organization as it helps to address the urgent need of youth seeking recovery and support for substance use issues.

(L to R) Sian Lewis, Executive Director and Marilyn McLean, Board Chair of Day One Society | Photo by Katelyn Faulkner Photography

An event included a guided tour of Day One Society's new youth area of the facility, highlighting the youth withdrawal management beds. These five new beds, funded by Interior Health, will play a vital role in addressing the pressing needs of youth in the region who are seeking recovery from substance use issues.

The demand for the Society’s services has surged in recent years, driven by the far-reaching effects of the toxic drug crisis. The situation has further been exacerbated by additional challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are so pleased to open the new youth detox beds at Day One Society's Phoenix Centre location, as they are a welcome addition to complete the circle of care for our youth. With these beds, we can provide the best possible care to the youth and families in Kamloops and the surrounding region, ensuring timely and professional support. We firmly believe that healthy youth equates to healthy communities and a healthy future for all,” said Marilyn McLean, Board Chair of the Society.

The five new in-patient beds for withdrawal management, are for youth ages 24 and under with young people between the ages of 19 and 24 possibly being placed in the adult unit as and when appropriate/required.

Siân Lewis, Executive Director, Day One Society expressed her gratitude for the timely allocation of funding for the beds. "The toxic drug supply has claimed too many lives within our community. These new beds come at a critical time, allowing us to extend our support and care to those who need it most. By offering a separate wing for our youth, we can provide a secure and tailored environment, instilling confidence in our youth who are on a recovery journey."

In the past, the Society accommodated youth within the 20-bed adult unit, providing an entire room to a youth in a two-bedroom setup, which meant less access for adults. Now, with the opening of the new beds in a separate wing, the Society has a specific space for youth. Day One Society also took this opportunity to renovate their East wing, to update it with new bright colours and furnishings.

“It is vitally important that we have resources such as these withdrawal management beds, customized to meet the unique needs of young people in our region,” said Richard Harding, Interior Health VP clinical and support services. “It’s never linear but the opportunity for withdrawal management can serve as a first step in a young person’s journey to address concerns around substance use.”

Executive Director of Day One Society, Sian Lewis, at the grand opening of the new Youth Detox Beds.

In addition to unveiling the new beds, Day One Society showcased its commitment to honouring the land and the local Indigenous community by collaborating with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc to integrate the Secwépemc language on their new signage. This meaningful collaboration serves as a powerful gesture, recognizing the significant number of Indigenous individuals seeking support from the Society. The toxic drug crisis has disproportionally impacted Indigenous people.

“Acknowledging and respecting the Indigenous land and people where our centre operates is important to us. Incorporating the Secwépemc language in our signage is one way we show our commitment to inclusivity and cultural relevance. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals accessing our services,” said Lewis.

The press event was an invite-only gathering, due to limited space. In recognition of the interest and support from various stakeholders, Day One Society is organizing private tours in the coming days. This will provide an opportunity for others to see the new youth area of the centre and learn how the Society provides exceptional care.

“With the unveiling of these new youth detox beds and the integration of the Secwépemc language in our signage, we are taking the steps as a Society to reinforce our dedication to providing a safe, culturally relevant, and inclusive environment for all seeking support, while increasing our capacity to care for more people who need help, hope, and healing. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community,” said McLean.

Photos by Katelyn Faulkner

Photo 1 - (L to R) Interior Health's Jessica Bridgeman (left) and elder Freda Jules join Day One Society executive director Sian Lewis (centre), Interior Health director of mental health Carla Mantie and Day One Society board of directors president Marilyn McLean to officially open the new youth detox wing on June 26, 2023.

Photo 2 - Youth Detox Room at Day One Society’s Phoenix Centre.

For further information regarding Day One Society, its new youth detox beds, and its dedication to supporting youth and families on their journey to recovery, please visit, www.dayonesociety.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison | aleece@amplifyinc.ca | 250.574.0221

About Day One Society

Day One Society provides services to bring help, hope, and healing to community members.

The mandate is to: provide medically supported withdrawal management treatment to those struggling

with substance use issues; education, counselling, outreach, and support to youth and families impacted

by substance use, and; education to the larger community, raising awareness about the issue of substance use.