The Spero Open House began with opening remarks from Executive Officer Bob Hughes, setting the tone for an afternoon of insight and connection. The event featured contributions from several health professionals who have played key roles in the development and delivery of health services at the site. Speakers included Carla Mantie (Director of Mental Health and Substance Use for Kamloops with Interior Health), Claire Wilson (Nurse Practitioner), Clancy O’Malley (Pharmacist), and Tamara Ciancone (TiOAT Coordinator). Following the presentations, guests were welcomed to tour the clinic, engage in dialogue, and build connections with others working across the community health and social service sectors.
Spero Clinic, located within Spero House, is an in-house medical facility that offers wraparound care, including access to general practitioners, addiction medicine, counselling, wound care, and virtual health services. This integrated model of care is designed to meet people where they are at, removing barriers and helping empower individuals to take meaningful steps towards improved health and well-being.
Tablet Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (TiOAT) is currently available at the Spero Clinic, as well as at two other ASK Wellness Society locations, which include 433 Tranquille Road (Red Door) and Victoria Street Pharmasave. The TiOAT program offers individuals an alternative to street-acquired substances by prescribing regulated options such as Dilaudid and fentanyl patches, administered in a clinically supervised setting.
Spero Clinic also provides a full spectrum of Opiate Agonist Therapy (OAT) options, including Kadian, Methadone, Suboxone, and Sublocade. Individuals work with care providers, staff, and healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable approach for their unique needs. The clinic has seen measurable impacts through the commitment of dedicated doctors, nurse practitioners, licensed nurses, and support staff. Among those who have opioid dependency, the clinic’s supports have contributed to significantly increased adherence rates for both OAT and TiOAT.
• 66% of Spero House residents are opioid users
• 91% of those individuals are adhering to OAT
• Over 1,000 TiOAT visits have been facilitated at Spero Clinic in the past three months
Another vital component of the clinic’s approach has been its piloted Contingency Management program, a reward-based system that promotes medication adherence and consistent engagement with services. With 73% of opioid-using residents participating, this program empowers individuals, as they can earn gift cards as incentives, with greater compliance leading to increased rewards. This approach encourages engagement, stability, and ultimately positive health outcomes within the program.
As we navigate the challenges of a provincial toxic drug crisis, now in its ninth year, outcomes like those seen at Spero highlight the importance of responsive, person-centered care. To ensure our services remain relevant and reflective of community needs, we must continue to embrace innovation and adapt our programs and services. The integrated programs being supported by BC Housing and the Interior Health Authority are part of this ongoing work, offering a range of services that aim to meet people where they are. By evolving alongside the needs of program participants, we can better support recovery, well-being, and community resilience.
ASK Wellness Society would like to thank all who attended and contributed to the event. The exchange of ideas, shared reflections, and the presence of so many community collaborators helped create an afternoon rooted in curiosity, appreciation, and collective momentum.
