A SAFE PLACE TO GO AFTER DETOX

Women recovering from drug addiction may soon have a safe place to stay,
thanks to a local woman's efforts.

Leisha Blais, recovering from an addiction herself, plans this June to open
the Okanagan Recovery House for Women.

Drug use is rising while service levels are falling, said Blais, who has a
background in nursing as well as addiction and social programming.

"Our community is suffering from a significant increase of substance
misuse...and many women are falling through the gaps in mental health and
addiction services in our community," she said.

The five-bed home will be a transition facility for women following
complete detoxification, she said.

Women who return to the area after receiving advanced treatment in larger
centres are also eligible, as are some mental health patients.

Studies show that women are most likely to relapse shortly after completing
detoxification or returning from treatment, said Blais.

The recovery house will be a facility where women recovering from addiction
can work toward re-integration into society, said Blais.

"That's the number one goal," she said. "It's to have women become
productive members of society."

Women will be able to stay at the facility for up to three months where
they will work with local services groups, including Pathways, and
provincial ministries such as the ministry of children and family development.

Community participation will increase positive outcomes and reduce overall
costs, she said.

Blais, who plans to live in the facility herself for the first six to 12
months, is now actively seeking support from the provincial and federal
government for the facility which will run on a not-for-profit basis.

"My goal is to have Interior Health recognize the facility," she said.

She estimates annual operating expenses to be about $100,000, adding she
has already received many donations.

Blais is currently looking for a property to house the facility. She admits
that some people won't like the idea of a transition house in a residential
area, if opposition to a proposed needle exchange program last year is any
indication.

But the facility will benefit the entire community because it will help
lower the influence of drugs, the number of drug-related crimes and build
better families, she said.

"Would you rather have a crack house or a recovery house?" she asked.