A new, dedicated mental-health and substance-use treatment area within the expanded Peace Arch Hospital emergency department is now fully open, supporting people presenting to hospital with a quiet and calming environment to receive care.

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.

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service year-end report on illicit drug toxicity deaths:

People in northern B.C. communities will have an opportunity to participate in a consultation and engagement process to help design and plan programs and services for a proposed regional centre to help children and youth thrive.

From Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/news/news-releases/new-island-health-mental-health-program-bridges-care-between-hospital-and-community