WHEREAS there is significant concern for the well-being and safety of individuals who are under the influence or acutely intoxicated on the street or in police custody, there is recognition that first responders and emergency services lack the capacity to safely support these individuals during times of acute intoxication; AND WHEREAS the number of calls for service for individuals who are acutely intoxicated places a heavy burden on first responder and emergency services and without the necessary resources first responders are left with very few options to ensure the safety of these individuals: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government provide resources to establish sobering and assessment centres at key locations that are identified by first responders and regional health authorities across the province.
Ministry of Health The Province of British Columbia has made it a priority to build a comprehensive system of mental health and substance use services across the province, making record investments totalling 1.3 billion annually. The Ministry of Health recognizes that additional addiction services are required and we are working with all health authorities and the not-for-profit sector to create additional capacity within the substance use system. The Ministry is currently leading a project to improve access to addiction treatment by creating an additional 500 substance use spaces across the province. Using Needs-Based Planning methodologies, the Ministry is working with health authorities to determine the type, level and location of services that will be implemented. The additional 500 spaces are being implemented in a phased approach; the project will be complete by 2017. The health authorities have submitted preliminary plans for the first phase, identifying high priorityimmediate need beds based on existing planning processes. Sobering and Assessment BedsMats fall within the purview of the 500 spaces project. These bedsmats are funded by the health authorities to provide a short-term less than 24 hours safe place for people under the influence of substances to have shelter, access to washrooms and a snack. The objective of these beds is to provide short-term respite.