British Columbians living with serious and persistent mental illnesses will soon have access to more supports as the Province invests in services to help them and their families thrive.

People throughout the province will benefit from upgrades to not-for-profit services and programs with additional funding from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

People needing surgery at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) will have increased access to care as the provincial government has approved the business plan for the second phase of expansion, adding 13 new operating rooms (ORs) and 39 new perioperative patient bays at the facility.

People who are vulnerable and have low incomes will be supported with $250,000 in provincial government funding for local poverty-reduction projects on the Lower Mainland.

Health-care and community social services workers throughout British Columbia will be able to access more mental-health supports as the province expands tailor-made programs for the sector.