Youth in need will soon have one more place to turn in Kelowna.
The province announced its commitment to help launch an integrated youth-service centre, called Foundry Kelowna, and is expected to be fully operational by spring 2017.
It will be located on Kirschner Road and house primary care, mental health and substance use and social services.
Foundry Kelowna will be run locally by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
“Asking for help is hard, but getting it shouldn’t be,” Premier Christy Clark said. “By launching this centre we’re making it as easy as possible for youth and families to take charge of their health by providing a variety of services through an integrated and personal approach.”
The Ministry of Health provided $3-million to help fund Foundry Kelowna and four other integrated youth centres throughout B.C.
The others will be located in the North Shore, Prince George, Campbell River and Abbotsford.
The CMHA and Kelowna General Hospital Foundation are looking to raise another $2-million over the next three years to help with the centre’s costs.