Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement for National Addictions Awareness Week:

British Columbia has taken an important step forward to prevent drug poisoning deaths by applying to the federal government to remove criminal penalties for people who possess small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.

People living with complex mental illness and addictions have access to a new purpose-built treatment centre with a model of care that is innovative and progressive – the first of its kind in North America.

From an early age, Angela Reimer knew she wanted the kind of job where she could help people.

More British Columbians now have access to free and low-cost support for mental health and substance-use challenges with expanded funding for community-based counselling programs, including virtual sessions, throughout the province.

More children, teens and young adults will gain better access to mental health support through an investment to expand Stigma-Free programs and a special mental health toolkit.

Children and teens who are experiencing anxiety and stress because of the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from new digital resources from Anxiety Canada to help them cope.

British Columbians who have family members living with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, will benefit from expanded educational supports to help families thrive.

Youth and young adults in the Lower Mainland will benefit now and in the future as Dan’s Legacy Foundation expands its free mental health and substance use outreach at Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Burnaby General and BC Children’s hospitals.