Summary

• Access Central, a clinical phone line service that makes it easier for adults to get support for addictions, is now active in Fraser Health, Interior Health and Island Health
• Access Central services are available seven days a week at:
  • Fraser Health: 1-833-866-6478 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Interior Health 1-866-777-1103 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Island Health: 1-888-885-8824 from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: 1-(866)-658-1221 from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
• Clients needing addiction treatment are connected with a nurse or trained clinician for assessment within 24 hours

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More people in B.C. can now get timely, personalized addictions care as government expands Access Central, a phone line that provides a single point of entry to connect people to certified health providers, and comprehensive, people-centred care.

“Supports like Access Central make a real difference for people on their road to recovery,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Recovery isn’t straightforward, which is why we’re taking action to strengthen addictions care across B.C. We’re building a full continuum of addictions care, from early intervention to treatment, recovery and aftercare. Road to Recovery meets people where they are and connects them to timely, appropriate and culturally safe services.”

One phone call connects to help for addictions

Access Central helps adults connect to addictions care through a single phone line in each available region. First launched in Greater Vancouver in 2023, the service is now available in the Fraser Health, Interior Health and Island Health regions. In the future, people in the Northern Health region will also be able to use an Access Central phone line, expanding the service provincewide.

When people are ready to seek support or information about addictions care, they can contact Access Central, seven days a week, for a clinical assessment within 24 hours, and/or be linked to a clinic for an in-person assessment.

The Access Central personalized substance-use care plan includes:

• same or next-day clinical screening and assessment
• placement in a withdrawal management/detox bed according to medical need, and/or rapid connection to outpatient services
• initiation of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) or anti-craving medications for alcohol use, when appropriate
• ongoing support throughout the withdrawal and recovery journey

Connecting people to care, quicker

Since its launch in 2023, Road to Recovery Vancouver has been quickly connecting people with the treatment they need. From October 2023 until December 2025:

• Access Central received 34,583 calls
• 9,210 clients were clinically assessed for withdrawal management
• There was a median wait time of one day for those prioritized as urgent, and the wait time for routine clients reduced from an average of 26 days, down to approximately eight days

Information and data from Road to Recovery Vancouver are being used to guide its expansion throughout the province, helping more people access timely, simplified care when and where they need it.

Road to Recovery is part of government’s work to build a voluntary, seamless system of mental-health and substance-use care. This includes more than 3,700 publicly funded beds that support people with addictions, of which more than 790 treatment and recovery beds are new since 2017, launching the Opioid Treatment Access Line, opening Foundry youth centres, First Nations healing facilities and building thousands of supportive-housing units.

Quotes:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

“Access Central brings services together in a way that helps people move through the system with greater confidence. This approach strengthens how care is delivered and ensures individuals aren’t left to navigate complex challenges on their own.”

Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head​ –

“We are making addictions care easier to navigate. This will make a real difference in people’s journeys to recovery. Access Central helps people get the care they need, when they need it, through a more streamlined approach, and that will be a relief for many. I’m encouraged by the difference this will make for individuals and communities across Vancouver Island.”

Dermot Kelly, president and CEO, Fraser Health –

“People seeking support for substance use deserve timely, compassionate care that meets them where they are. Access Central removes barriers to immediate support and strengthens continuity of care, ensuring individuals receive the right help at every stage of their recovery.”

Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, Interior Health –

“Recognizing that every person’s recovery journey is different, Access Central prioritizes timely access to services by matching health care to a patient’s current needs. This new pathway to care strengthens transitions and removes barriers so individuals can engage in appropriate care when it matters most.”

Leah Hollins, chair, board of directors, Island Health –

“When someone makes the vulnerable and brave decision to seek help for substance use, they need access to treatment and care quickly. Just one phone call means people can get the care they need, no matter where they are located and start on a path to recovery right away.”  

Kim Keats, registered nurse, Access Central –

“As a front-line nurse working in substance-use care, I meet people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I know that accessing care can feel overwhelming, especially for people living in rural and remote communities. Access Central was built to meet those realities, offering a clear and compassionate path to care, so people can spend less time trying to find support and more time staying connected to it.”

Learn More:

• For more information about Road to Recovery, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MMHA0038-001175  
• For more information about mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/