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Interior Health gets new mental health service provider

Axis Family Resources Ltd will provide housing and care supports in Cranbrook to mental health clients from across the East Kootenay.

Interior Health announced this week that starting this spring Axis Family Resources Ltd will provide housing and care supports in Cranbrook to mental health clients from across the East Kootenay.

The new Axis facility will replace services currently provided through Hermosa Home, whose operators are retiring after more than 32 years of service to the community.

"I was pleased to hear Interior Health has found an alternative provider for the great work Hermosa Home has done all these years," said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. "This is a valuable regional service and it was important to me that it continues."

Hermosa Home has agreed to extend it operations until April 30, allowing for a smooth transition of clients to Axis beginning April 1.

Axis has 20 years of experience in specialized residential services. It currently provides services to 1,200 individuals and families each year in B.C.

Kootenay-based services include existing specialized residential services, family counselling, services for children and youth with special needs, a sexual abuse intervention program and caregiver/parent support for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

"Interior Health is grateful for the quality care Hermosa Home has provided for more than three decades," said Norman Embree, IH Board Chair.

Like Hermosa Home, the Axis facility will provide housing and care for 15 individuals with varying mental health conditions.

"We are excited about this opportunity to expand the services we are providing to support people with mental health challenges in the East Kootenay region," said Ann Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Axis Family Resources Ltd.