Proposals sought for 50-bed addiction treatment facility

FREDERICTON (GNB) - The government has issued a request for proposals for the establishment and operation of a 50-bed therapeutic addiction treatment facility for adults.

The request also asks applicants to propose a location for the centre.

"We know there is an increasing need to support individuals with complex substance use concerns," said Sherry Wilson, minister responsible for addictions and mental health services. "This announcement is a first step in providing more support to these individuals by expanding the province's rehabilitation services and addressing the gap in bed-based treatment options."

The facility will follow the therapeutic community model, a form of holistic bed-based addiction treatment that focuses on the whole person and overall lifestyle changes.

The community structure allows people to experience - and share experiences of - personal vulnerability, which is central to the recovery process. The stay can vary from six to 24 months.

The planned facility aligns with priorities outlined in the Department of Health's five-year addiction and mental health plan.

The announcement follows last year's addition of 10 treatment beds at two bed-based addiction and mental health treatment programs operated by the regional health authorities. Ridgewood Addiction Services in Saint John currently has 16 beds. Campbellton's new live-in addiction and mental health disorder treatment service has 18 beds for treatment and six beds for withdrawal management.

The Horizon Recovery Centre, also on the Ridgewood site, provides 14 transitional beds for people who need stabilization and support services as they develop plans to return to the community.

17-09-24

Media Contact(s)

Katelin Dean, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].