Vida Nova Opens Doors, Offering Lived-Experience Based Addiction Treatment in Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook, N.L.- Newfoundland and labrador’s newest addictions treatment centre, Vida Nova, officially opened its doors Friday, promising a unique approach rooted in the experiences of its staff. The facility aims to address a critical need for accessible addiction services within the province, offering support informed by those who have navigated recovery themselves.
Vida Nova’s philosophy centers on lived experience, with co-founder Mark Lane stating, “my philosophy is my history is my asset.” This approach, combined with provincial goverment support including $250,000 in startup funding and a commitment to Medical Care Plan (MCP) coverage for clients, signals a new chapter in addiction treatment for the region.Currently, MCP coverage is in place for the frist eight clients, with plans for expansion.
Premier John Hogan attended the opening and emphasized the importance of the facility. “We need facilities like this, and to see peopel step up and be part of the solution working with government, of course, it really means a lot,” Hogan said. “I think when we look back on today, we’re going to realize that people now that don’t know it, their lives are going to be changed because of this facility.”
Vida Nova’s co-founders, Mark Lane and Ryan Kirby, expressed confidence in their team’s ability to provide the necessary supports to those seeking help. The centre’s opening represents a significant step towards improving addiction care accessibility in Newfoundland and Labrador.
