Baldy Hughes receives $1 million in emotional ceremony

The Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community and Farm is getting a million dollar boost from the province.

As part of the government’s 10-year mental health and substance abuse plan, the money has gone towards opening 20 new beds dedicated to men with complex mental health and substance abuse issues, and hiring 4 full time members of staff- including three nurses and one occupational therapist.

Executive director Rodger Travale says the money will allow people to enter who previously didn’t meet the criteria.

“In the past year, 150 applications to Baldy Hughes were declined, due to complex health diagnosis and mental health issues or history. An additional 50-60 applications were declined each year due to health concerns that would require support by a nurse.”

13 of 20 new beds have already been filled.

President Kevin England says the year-long stays at Baldy Hughes are much more effective than shorter programs across the province.

“They were doing what we call ‘the spin cycle’, just one month or two months, and those of us who know personally about addiction know that you need longer. One year makes a huge difference in recreating your whole life from ground zero up.”

The recovery service at Baldy Hughes includes a 12-step group program, animal and horticultural farm programs, counselling and occupational therapy, and even culinary training.

The facility offers a total of 65 beds, with 2-5 men graduating each month.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond has taken a particular interest in the Baldy Hughes since it opened in 2007, and became emotional as she addressed the media and the men who live there.

“Many men get up and say, ‘If it wasn’t for Baldy Hughes, I would not be alive. This is a place where I’m going to change my life’, No one should underestimate the power of being at Baldy Hughes,” proclaimed Bond, “Today is about confirming that we believe every British Columbian, everyone here has value. You have value… You matter to us.”

The ceremony struck a tone with everyone in the room, starting with a rousing rendition of O Canada, and the Baldy Hughes Band’s rendition of ‘Landslide’.

For those directly involved with the program, there was also a sense of pride.

“You’re creating a legacy. You’re creating your own lives but you’re also creating a legacy for people to come in the future so they can get even better care,” said England.

“As a province, we have proclaimed Sept. 20 as Recovery Day to recognize the strength individuals have to overcome the toughest challenges of their lives-recovering from addictions,” said MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad, “Thanks to the fine work at Baldy Hughes, men have a helping hand on the road to recovery, and they now have a second chance.”