Whereas additional mental health and substance use programs and associated funding is needed to meet the complex needs of people living with challenges in BC communities that has contributed to an unprecedented level of deaths, poverty, criminal activity, social disorder, stress on first responders and health care professionals contributing to increased pressure on hospitals; And whereas the lack of innovative models to treat patients with severe, complex mental health and substance misuse conditions has contributed to a health care and safety crisis in communities, urban and rural, throughout British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia to further increase investment into on demand mental health treatment, withdrawal management and substance use programs throughout the province, that meets the diverse needs of the people suffering from severe substance misuse and mental health challenges; And be it further resolved that an update to A Pathway to Hope strategy includes a plan to fully fund and establish regional campuses of care, similar to the innovative model of Red Fish Healing Centre, to provide a safe, stable and compassionate environment for people requiring highly specialized mental health support with severe mental illness diagnoses.
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions Government is committed to improving access to culturally safe, effective, seamless, and integrated services across the full spectrum of mental health and substance use care, from prevention and early intervention through aftercare. Budget 2023 added more than 1 billion to support people who struggle with mental health or substance use challenges so they can access the care they need when they need it. Budget 2023 included funding for: - 195 more treatment and recovery beds throughout BC, with no out of pocket fees. - A new model of seamless care, called Road to Recovery, to support people through their entire recovery journey, enhancing wrap-around supports. - Expansion of Indigenous-led treatment centres. - New recovery communities to support people and their recovery through the long term; and, - Expanding the Red Fish model of care to other areas of the province so people can get specialized care closer to home. The Ministry continues to work across government, with Indigenous partners, communities and families to expand mental health and substance use treatment supports that meet the diverse needs of people across BC.