The Manitoba government is investing $3.5 million in the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre to enhance access to mental health and addiction treatment in Manitoba.
“The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre is a brilliant idea and we are pleased to partner with the Oake family whose vision and drive has been unequaled in their commitment to help others struggling with addiction.” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “We look forward to the completion of the facility next spring, knowing the many benefits the recovery centre will provide to Manitoba families.”
The $3.5-million contribution will be used to support capital construction costs for the centre. The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre will add 50 residential addiction treatment beds into the addiction system in Manitoba. The facility is scheduled to open its doors in the spring of 2021, the minister noted.
“We are thankful the government of Manitoba shares our vision of the importance of treatment for those suffering from addiction. This commitment helps ensure we will be able to offer recovery to those with little or no financial means,” said Scott, Anne and Darcy Oake for the Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation. “Our first-born son, Bruce, lost his battle with addiction at age 25 and we began this project as a way to remember him, while at the same time hoping other families could be spared such a tragic outcome. Our family, our board of directors are truly grateful for its support and confidence.”
Today’s announcement is one in a series of this government’s investments to meet better the needs of Manitobans struggling with mental health and addiction concerns.
The minister noted the additional beds at the centre adds important capacity to alleviate pressures on existing residential treatment services and allows partnership organizations the opportunity to focus on other critical levels of service.
The investment supports recommendations in the VIRGO report to increase capacity for residential substance use and addiction treatment including lengthening treatment programs, improving accessibility and ensuring services are co-ordinated across programs, practitioners, organizations and levels of care over time.
“Since last fall, we have invested more than $25 million to improve access to mental health and addictions treatment and care,” said Friesen. “Today’s announcement supports those investments and will help us ensure we’re able to provide the right care in the right place at the right time for Manitobans.”
