CMHA BC Applauds Provincial Government’s Transparent Reporting and Progress
VANCOUVER, BC – (April 2, 2025): The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) commends the Government of British Columbia for its transparency and ongoing commitment to building a comprehensive mental health and substance use system of care, as detailed in the Ministry of Health’s March 2025 Data Snapshot report.
“Over the past few years, the provincial government has notably enhanced its data reporting, as evidenced by its most recent data snapshot that provides valuable transparency into mental health system performance,” said Jonny Morris, CEO of CMHA BC. “This approach establishes a solid foundation for accountability that government can continue to build upon moving forward.”
CMHA BC recognizes significant progress in five key areas:
- Community-led Crisis Response Shows Promise – CRCL teams, overseen and administered by CMHA BC, responded to 5,882 calls in 2024, with only 1.3% requiring police referral. These teams are now approaching the significant milestone of 10,000 total calls served since official launch while maintaining minimal reliance on police.
- Workplace Mental Health Support Reaches Thousands – CMHA BC’s Care to Speak program provided 2,300+ interactions with healthcare workers, while People Working Well reached workers in tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and social services through 100,000+ page views and 1,500+ direct engagements with workers.
- Community Counselling Services Expand Access – Over 29,000 individuals accessed counselling services in 2023/24, with nearly half accessing these services for the first time. Through $35 million in investments since 2019, 47 agencies now provide flexible counselling options, particularly benefiting rural and Indigenous communities.
- Harm Reduction Initiatives Show Impact – Over 5.6 million visits to overdose prevention services since 2017 prevented 30,742 overdose deaths, with expanded naloxone distribution and drug checking services now at 113 locations province-wide.
- Treatment and Recovery Services Grow – Addition of 758 new substance use treatment beds since 2017, complex care housing supporting 543 individuals, and the Road to Recovery model demonstrates meaningful expansion of care options.
“While significant work remains, CMHA BC recognizes that this transparency and growing momentum around measuring results is essential for improvement,” added Morris. “Following the re-integration of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions into the Ministry of Health, it is essential that the specialized focus and momentum developed within the former Ministry continues to be reinforced within the integrated structure, especially given current economic challenges.”
CMHA BC is committed to continuing its collaboration with the BC Government to ensure every person in British Columbia has timely access to the care and support they need.
About CMHA BC:
The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division promotes mental health and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness through community-based programs and policy advocacy for over 70 years.
Media Contact:
604-353-8159 | media@cmha.bc.ca | www.cmha.bc.ca