Photo: Contributed

Kelowna's The Bridge Youth & Family Services detox program has helped more than 3,000 people get clean.

The program is celebrating its sixth year in operation this Friday. 

Since The Bridge began the service in 2013, it has helped 3,200 people withdraw from drugs or alcohol, including 550 in just the past year. 

​The program provides round-the-clock care from nurses, physicians and volunteers – and is operating at full capacity.

"Detoxing without The Bridge is impossible for me. I don't feel safe to do it at home, and I don't feel comfortable going to the hospital," an anonymous participant says.

Funded by Interior Health, The Bridge operates 365 days a year and is the only facility of its kind in the Okanagan.

Withdrawal management is one of many services provided at The Bridge, which can provide care to 10 adults at one time. 

"The excellent health care service provided by the WMS team has helped so many people to change their lives. It also has generated significant savings for the health system and our community as a whole," says John Yarschenko, director of recovery and addiction services.

He expects the program will be funded to expand in the near future.