Health Minister Terry Lake has issued the following statement today to recognize Oct. 10, 2015, as World Mental Health Day, and the week of Oct. 4-10, 2015, as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

“Through my time as Minister of Health, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot about the struggles of people with mental illness, as well as the people who treat them. I’ve learned the solution to effectively treating and responding to mental health challenges is far from simple.

“The Province spends more than $1.5 billion per year on mental health and substance use services, yet we know the need continues to grow.

“We recognize this demand and we’re working to meet it. With the tragic stories we sometimes see in the media, it’s easy to lose sight of the many people achieving positive change with the help of organizations, health care workers and volunteers throughout B.C. Many British Columbians with mental illness are getting the help they need to get well.

“People who have severe mental health and substance use disorders and need comprehensive support, not just with health, but with housing and employment, are getting help through Assertive Community Treatment teams. People living in rural and remote areas are getting access to psychiatric care, without having to travel or sit on long waitlists, through tele-mental health services. Children and youth suffering from anxiety are getting help from teachers and educators trained in the FRIENDS program. Youth who are homeless or at risk and living with mental illness are getting help with health care, shelter and social support through Vancouver’s Inner City Youth team. And just this week I announced people throughout B.C. will have more access to training to prevent suicides, thanks to $3 million in support for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s gatekeeper program.

“The Province has also committed capital funding to building or expanding mental health facilities in communities throughout B.C., including the new Joseph and Rosalie Segal Centre in Vancouver, which will open to patients in 2017, and plans for a 75-bed mental health and substance use facility at Royal Columbian Hospital.

“Through these programs and services, plus many more, we’re increasing access, expanding prevention, enhancing treatment and improving recovery for all British Columbians needing mental health support. We’ve seen success — like the recent information from the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Coastal Health, which shows fewer people are requiring emergency health or police services thanks to local Assertive Community Treatment and Assertive Outreach teams, introduced in Vancouver in 2012. And we know we need to do more.

“Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health invited care providers, people with lived experience, health authorities and mental health and substance use partners from throughout the province to discuss how we can further improve primary and community care for those with mental health and substance use challenges. We’ll continue these discussions as we work towards meeting one of our main strategic priority goals: to get people the help they need, in their communities.

“World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder of why B.C. is committed to providing the best supports for people facing challenges with mental illness and substance abuse. Solutions may not be simple, but we recognize the life-changing impact these supports can have on thousands of British Columbian families.”

For more information, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/healthy-minds-healthy-people

To learn more about World Mental Health Day, visit: http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2015/en/

And for information on Mental Illness Awareness Week, visit: http://www.camimh.ca/mental-illness-awareness-week/about-miaw/