Throughout British Columbia, hundreds of vulnerable people with severe addiction and mental illness are securing housing, having fewer interactions with police and spending less time in emergency rooms, according to the latest numbers from innovative health authority programs.

Health Minister Terry Lake and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone officially opened a seniors’ centre community kitchen that will provide meals and showcase cooking skills through food preparation classes.

A dedicated hospital unit for youth with mental-health and substance-use challenges will be built at the HOpe Centre at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, thanks in part to noted West Vancouver philanthropists and donors Jack and Leone Carlile.

Amendments introduced to the Community Care and Assisted Living Act by Health Minister Terry Lake will mean better care options and added protection for those in assisted-living residences.

The Province will provide an additional 88 units of transitional housing and shelter, as well as 40 rent supplements for campers currently residing at the Victoria courthouse lawns.

The Province is unveiling new resources to assist British Columbians in getting ready for all aspects of the future, from health to finances.

Driving Miss Sayward, a fitness park for seniors and new dementia resources are some of the projects that will soon be underway as 28 B.C. communities receive age-friendly community planning and project grants totalling $496,165.

Empowering older British Columbians is the main focus of funding announced by Attorney General Suzanne Anton and Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer on behalf of Health Minister Terry Lake.

Health Minister Terry Lake today announced funding of $150,000 to ASK Wellness Society to continue the support of a partnership between the society and Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), which connects vulnerable people with supports after release from the hospital.

Health care staff and physicians laid out plans at a two-day workshop for new models of primary and community care in 14 communities.