VANCOUVER, BC – (July 4, 2023): The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC), the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA), and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) are pleased to announce the CMHA BC Bed-Based Treatment & Recovery Expansion Grant Application is now open.
Funded by the Province, this grant call will add another 100 publicly funded treatment and supportive recovery beds with no out of pocket fees for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use challenges – an important part of Government’s commitment to create a seamless and integrated system of mental health and addiction care that works for everyone. This is in addition to the 105 treatment and recovery beds that were implemented through an original grant call in 2021. These new beds are a crucial step to increasing access to quality care and reducing wait times for British Columbians looking for treatment and recovery services.
“When British Columbians make the brave decision to reach out for help, we want services to meet them,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “That’s why we are adding more treatment and recovery beds to more communities in B.C. These beds are an important part of government’s work to improve access to mental health and addiction supports in communities around the province and build a seamless and integrated system of care that works for all British Columbians.”
Eligible not-for-profit and for-profit service providers in BC can now apply for grant funding to expand bed-based substance use treatment and recovery services. This is a multi-year opportunity that intends to fund treatment and recovery beds and services through 2027.
The grant application administered by CMHA BC, has been developed in consultation with MMHA, FHNA, community partners, and individuals with lived and living experience. Applications are now open and accepted until 5:00pm on August 23rd, 2023.
“The First Nations Health Authority works with BC First Nations to enhance access to quality health and wellness services for First Nations people in this province, including harm reduction supports. The expansion of treatment beds is a positive step forward, as we continue to engage with our BC health system partners to destigmatize addiction, increase access and ensure that health services are free of racism, culturally safe and trauma informed.” – Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority.
These grants will ensure that the people most affected by mental health and substance use challenges will have low barrier access to quality bed-based services where and when they need them. This includes prioritized access for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. With this grant and the Province’s work to implement more treatment and recovery beds, more people who live in British Columbia will have access to the care they need and deserve.
“For people choosing treatment, access must be available in a timely manner without barriers and in formats that are people-centered and offer long-term engagement.” Jonny Morris, CEO from Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division
Applications are open between June 28th and will be accepted no later than 5:00pm on August 23rd, 2023. A selection panel will determine the successful proponents and an announcement will be conducted by Fall 2023. Applicants must review the Grant Application Guidelines.
For more information including granting guidelines and how to apply, visit: https://bc.cmha.ca/get-involved/opportunities/ or join us for the Information session register here.
Additional Quotes
- “For the past 25 years, I’ve struggled with addiction that took me to the darkest of places. My long-time substance use was a mask and a way of coping with life’s past, present and future. While I was terrified at the thought of getting help, I knew it was necessary. My recovery journey has brought many challenges along the way but has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I know how important treatment and recovery services, including the ones announced today, are in changing the lives of those who are struggling.”
– Dion Feddema, Person with Lived Experience
- “With the population we serve and the presence of an increasingly toxic drug supply, we realize that individuals could die waiting to get into a facility like ours. The opportunity for newly funded beds provides a pathway for us to help more of those looking to escape the cycle of addiction and challenging mental health conditions and to focus on doing the work of rehabilitation and recovery. Additionally, increased resources for continuing care programs and relapse prevention can maximize a client’s chances to live substance-free while finding meaningful reintegration into their community. Grants, like the ones we receive from CMHA, are quite literally life savers. “
– Blaine Russell, Acting Executive Director, Penticton Recovery Resource Society
Resources and Links:
- Grant Application:
- New Applicants: For treatment and recovery centres not included in the 2021 service expansion.
- Existing Applicants: For treatment and recovery centres that are currently being funded through the 2021 bed-based treatment and recovery grants.
- Information Session – Register here
- News Release on Province of BC investment
For further inquiries contact:
CMHA BC Media
media@cmha.bc.ca
604-353-8159