The Province is taking action to improve care for a growing population with overlapping mental-health and addiction challenges and brain injuries from toxic-drug poisonings by appointing a chief scientific advisor to develop solutions to address their unique needs.  

Children, youth and families across the province will benefit from seamless mental-health and addiction services as B.C. expands Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams to seven new communities.

The Province is reviewing a recent report by B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, about the Prescribed Safer Supply program (prescribed alternatives), while making immediate updates to the program based on her recommendations to reduce unintended harms and help people living with addiction stay alive.

More people with addiction challenges can now access treatment and recovery options free of charge and closer to home with the addition of 180 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds throughout the province.

Young people with addictions challenges will now have access to more wraparound supports to get the help they need in hospital and the community on their pathway to wellness.