Six new publicly funded addiction treatment beds have been in operation since last August in Nanamo, operated by Island Crisis Care Society. (Dreamstime)

By Ian Holmes

David's Place

New publicly funded treatment centre in Nanaimo reaps early rewards

Jan 20, 2025 | 5:28 PM

NANAIMO — A local residential treatment facility hasn’t been around for long, but already one client appears to be on the right track.

Island Crisis Care executive director Violet Hayes said their six-bed residential treatment centre known as David’s Place Recovery Program has been in existence since late last summer.

Armed with funding through the Canadian Mental Health Association, David’s Place is an inclusive, easier to access program compared to other services with high admission rates.

“We’re very excited about it because we such a need in our community and our programs, to actually have a place where people can come in, get in easily without the barrier of finances is amazing,” Hayes told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A client who relapsed in the program’s early days returned, embraced numerous individualized services by staff, including guidance from a clinician, and then added a fulltime job, Hayes said.

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“He now is doing so well, it’s amazing to see…He wants to be involved in every program that we offer, gets to all of his sessions, very, very motivated. Sometimes slips happen but can always be turned around.”

While they are operating on a contract with the B.C. government, Hayes said donations are accepted to help offer additional programming.

She said it’s unclear if David’s Place has a long-term future, with Hayes stating that would be ideal.

“We’re very hopeful, it’s three-year funding. We’re hopeful it will continue, that’s all we can do at this point.”

Duration of care is determined on an individual basis with a maximum stay of 18 months.

Hayes said their clients come through referrals and those who sign up online.

More information on David’s Place can be found here.

Hayes attended a Monday, Jan 20 news conference where health minister Jose Osborne revealed three other communities were benefiting from the new addiction treatment beds: Kelowna, Vancouver’s downtown eastside, and Prince Rupert.

Osborne stated the program’s aim is to break down barriers in rural communities and for underserved groups.

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