Carrier Sekani Family Services hosted local media today (Tuesday) for a brief tour of the new sobering centre in Prince George.
The facility located at 1133 Second Avenue is run in conjunction with Northern Health and the province.
Sue Nelson is the sobering centre’s supervisor who said having the doors finally open is a big deal, even though they are operating on a four-day per week schedule for now.
“It’s all graveyard shifts for us. Right now, people, depending on what time they come in – could be up to seven hours but once we get up to 24/7, they will be able to stay no more than 23 hours.”
“We have an outreach nurse that will be connected to us and it’s really how we support people is what they are asking for support in. If it is something outside of what we provide I have a good history with community partners and we can connect them with those places.”
Tracey Day, who is the clinical director for substance use at Carrier Sekani says having a space like this gives those who are struggling a safe space to get back on their feet.
“I see it as a humanistic thing to do. To take care of each other in our society is very important and that is what Carrier Sekani Family Services really stands for and that is what we are here to do. To care for those who we serve that is culturally appropriate.”
“It does fill a gap in our current system in that there is no place that’s safe for people that are in a vulnerable spot to actually go and be safe from things that may impair their safety when they are intoxicated.”
The 10-bed centre is equipped with showers, laundry services and other necessities for those accessing it.
The facility was originally planned for 1201 First Avenue which was announced in July 2022 by former Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson.
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