A Vernon society is lamenting the loss of a local non-profit that serves women, as well as the financial strain being felt by a local clinic that provides girls with essential services.
Archway Society for Domestic Peace issued a press release Tuesday to share the news that HOPE Outreach has closed. The outreach organization had been supporting the safety of sex workers and exploited women since 2008.
"For 16 years the HOPE Outreach has operated to support some of the most vulnerable women in the Okanagan and now it's being dissolved," the press release states.
Archway was also "saddened" to hear that the Options for Sexual Health clinic at the Vernon Health Unit is experiencing financial difficulty.
"The Options for Sexual Health clinic is essential for women of all ages; from birth control education, unplanned pregnancy options, pap tests, to menopause education and support. Coming so close on the heels of the closure of HOPE Outreach, this is very disheartening news," Archway said.
In December, Options for Sexual Health, which operated 52 clinics in B.C., said it would be forced to close most of its clinics in 2025 if it doesn't receive funding from the provincial government. Options receives 84 per cent of its core funding from the Provincial Health Services Authority with the remainder coming from donations, grants and fundraising.
The Morning Star has reached out to Options for Sexual Health to ask if the Vernon clinic is expected to close.
Archway highlighted the impact the closure of HOPE Outreach and a financially hamstrung sexual health clinic will have on women and girls in the area.
"HOPE Outreach and Options for Sexual Health are crucial organizations that provide essential services to women in the North Okanagan. Their closure or financial difficulties significantly impact the community, making these women more vulnerable to harm and abuse," Archway said.
"The services provided by Options for Sexual Health play a vital role in promoting the health, rights, and empowerment of women and girls in B.C. HOPE Outreach鈥檚 efforts collectively aimed to provide immediate safety, emotional support, and long-term resources to help women in vulnerable situations."
Archway reached out to Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu's office and was advised that Sandhu is "working hard on this issue."
Archway encouraged people to join it in writing letters to B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne, saying Sandhu will share letters with the health minister emphasizing the important role that Options plays, especially in rural communities. Letters can be sent to harwinder.sandhu.mla@leg.bc.ca.
Sexual health clinics play a crucial role in providing gender equality by addressing specific health needs and reducing health care disparities, and ultimately ensuring women and girls receive the care and support they need to thrive, according to Archway.
"By focusing on the unique health needs of women, these clinics help reduce gender-based health disparities. They provide care that is often overlooked in general healthcare settings, ensuring women receive the attention and treatment they deserve," Archway said.
Archway provides wrap-around support for people experiencing gender-based violence. It operates a safe shelter for women choosing to leave their partners, support to find permanent housing, and help navigating the justice system. The organization also has a wide range of services for women who choose to stay in their relationships, with safety planning, counselling and support for those women.
HOPE Outreach implemented a number of initiatives to keep women safe, including a 24/7 support phone line, the Bad Date resource app, a program providing phones to women in sex work, nighttime outreach volunteers distributing essential items and food, volunteers trained to use Narcan, and peer support groups for women to share their experiences.
The Morning Star also reached out to HOPE and Interior Health for comment on the financial struggles of the Options for Sexual Health clinic.
鈥� With files from Tyler Harper
