Andrea Docherty, vice-president of clinical and community health at St. Joseph's Care Group, says it's important for people to have access to a safe, judgment-free space where they can rest and recover from intoxication. (Sarah Law/CBC)
Thunder Bay's first seven safe sobering beds opened on March 10. The program, run by St. Joseph's Care Group, is the first of its kind in the northwestern Ontario city, which has the highest opioid-related death rate in the province.
The provincial government announced nearly $3 million for the program in September 2024.
The beds are for anyone 16 and older who is under the influence of alcohol or other substances and does not require the level of care provided at an emergency department or in St. Joseph's withdrawal management program.