DAWSON CREEK -- The Peace Pregnancy Support Centre held its grand opening on Friday.
The centre offers several free services including pregnancy testing, post-abortion support and pregnancy and infant loss support.
"It's important that if anyone experiences unexpected pregnancy, that they are able to find support. We hope that we are able to help with that by providing them support and making them feel like they're not alone," said the Executive Director of the centre, Grettel Villa.
The support centre was formed back in 2014 but closed in 2021. The centre has since reopened and had a had a soft reopening in February of this year.
The centre is run with the help of volunteers. Susan Klassen, Client Advocate and Administrative Assistant, describes the support the centre has received from the community of Dawson Creek as overwhelming.
"Not just from businesses and churches, but individual people who will bring us newborn clothing, newborn car seats, diapers, formula it's been super overwhelming," said Klassen.
The opening of the centre comes at a time when the number of teen pregnancies in northern B.C. has raised some attention. A recent report from Northern Health shows that northern B.C. has double the teen birth rates compared to the rest of the province.
The report also states that mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety are prevalent in northern B.C. women during pregnancy.
The centre is open to anyone needing services, regardless of beliefs or background. Klassen says everyone coming in for support services is promised anonymity and a safe space.
