PEOPLE living in British Columbia now have more access to publicly funded substance-use treatment and recovery services as 105 newly funded beds are now fully operational, the Province announced on Tuesday.
These beds are in addition to the 105 beds recently opened at the Red Fish Healing Centre and the 10 new specialized addiction treatment beds at Phoenix Society in Surrey. They are also in addition to the historic $132-million investment government announced this fall to build new treatment and recovery services throughout the province.
“For too long, treatment and supportive recovery services were neglected in British Columbia, leaving many people to suffer from a fragmented system of care,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Our government has made historic investments to open new publicly funded substance-use treatment and recovery beds to ensure that quality care is accessible to everyone – no matter the size of their pocketbook.”
In 2020, the Government of B.C. announced an investment in 50 to 70 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds. By finding efficiencies, the Province said it has exceeded this goal, and has now opened 105 beds across 14 organizations. Of the 105 beds, 47 are new spaces in existing treatment and recovery organizations. The remaining beds were converted from private-pay beds to fully funded public spaces.
The Province said that treatment and recovery beds are one vital part of B.C.’s response to the poisoned drug crisis. It is also investing in the expansion of harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment programs, providing a prescribed safer drug supply and applying to Health Canada for the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.
“The 105 beds located in communities throughout the province are a tangible commitment to the health and wellness of British Columbians,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. “Substance-use treatment and recovery support reach beyond just a bed, but are an investment in communities, neighbourhoods and families. We’re grateful to be working with the Province to realize the vision of improved access to critical mental health and addictions care.”
These beds help address long-standing service gaps for Indigenous Peoples, women, rural and remote communities, and people transitioning from the corrections system. They are already making a difference. In the past quarter, 22% of all referrals were self-referrals or referrals from First Nations Bands and Friendship Centres.
In addition, these services help improve access for people with other potential barriers to services, such as people with mobility issues, and new and expectant mothers attending the program with their children.
Quick Facts
* The $13 million to support the 105 beds over three years is being administered through the Canadian Mental Health Association in consultation with the Province and regional health authorities.
* Service providers include not-for-profit and private service providers in every health authority providing bed-based treatment and recovery services, including access to medication-assisted treatment.
* Organizations receiving funding operate in accordance with legislation and are registered or licensed with the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
