CMHA BC’s Statement on recriminalize use of illicit drugs in public spaces Since 2016, when the toxic drug crisis was recognized as a public health emergency, we have lost over 14,000 community members and loved ones in BC to an unpredictable supply of illicit substances cut with a myriad of unknown and dangerous additives. This […]Continue readingResisting Stigma: A Call for a Compassionate Public Health Approach to Drug Policy and Services
LANGLEY – (April 18, 2024): The agricultural sector in British Columbia faces unique challenges, ranging from isolation to financial pressures, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced mental health support. AgSafe and CMHA BC are pleased to announce the official launch of AgLife (https://aglife.ca/), a suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative that will offer the […]Continue readingEmpowering Farmers: Introducing Innovative Mental Health Initiative AgLife and Expanded Counselling Services
LUMBY – (April 16, 2024): People living with addiction can better access free treatment and recovery services and closer to home. “It’s devastating to see so many lives being lost to the toxic-drug crisis,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “When someone makes the brave decision to reach out for help, they […]Continue readingMore addictions care coming for people in the Interior
VICTORIA, BC – (February 22, 2024): Mental health and substance use (MHSU) funding announced today in the Province of BC’s (‘the Province’) 2024 Budget will see $215M more allocated into MHSU care over the next three years. After a historic investment of $1 billion into MHSU care in Budget 2023, CMHA BC is grateful to […]Continue readingBC Budget 2024: Sustained investments in mental health and substance use care, with key opportunities for improvement
VANCOUVER – (January 25, 2024): More people with addiction challenges can now access treatment and recovery options free of charge and closer to home with the addition of 180 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds throughout the province. “People need to be able to access treatment and recovery services close to where they live, without […]Continue readingRecord expansion of treatment options will support more people with addictions
Tips to care for yourself and your community The end-of-year season can be a period of celebration, as many religious and cultural holidays are recognized around the world from November to January. This can be a time full of joy and connection, but it can also be a difficult and lonely time for many. […]Continue readingYear-End Reflections: Prioritizing Your Mental Well-Being for a Mindful Future
Ten CMHAs join network of service providers for the national crisis line TORONTO (November 30, 2023) – Beginning today, people anywhere in Canada can call and text 9-8-8 if they are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is. The three-digit suicide prevention helpline will be answered by responders who are as close to […]Continue readingCMHA welcomes the creation of 9-8-8, the three-digit suicide prevention line
VANCOUVER – (October 20, 2023): The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to improving the working conditions and support for peers in the British Columbia mental health and substance use sector. Through extensive research efforts, CMHA BC has developed four vital resources […]Continue readingCMHA BC Releases Four Resources to Enhance Peer Employment
CMHA BC’s Statement on Bill 34: Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act VANCOUVER, BC – (October 19, 2023): As an advocate for decriminalization, harm reduction, safe supply, and as an organization that has overseen the opening of a significant number of substance use treatment beds in the last few years with BC Government support, […]Continue readingThe toxic drug crisis will not be fixed behind closed doors
A new suicide prevention program in support of B.C.’s agricultural community Langley, BC / September 19, 2023 – AgSafe is proud to announce the AgLife Network as part of their commitment to, and expansion of Mental Wellness in Agriculture resources. In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, AgSafe’s goal with the AgLife […]Continue readingAgSafe and CMHA BC partner to build the AgLife Network