The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) is pleased to welcome the Honorable Judy Darcy as BC’s Minister for Mental Health and Addictions.
“We are hopeful that the formation of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions signals a shift to give mental health and addictions care the priority and investment it needs,” says Bev Gutray, CEO of CMHA BC. “We look forward to working together to improve the mental health of all British Columbians – b4stage4.”
A dedicated Minister of Mental Health and Addictions with a dedicated budget has been one of the goals of CMHA BC’s B4stage4 campaign.
Thousands have signed the b4stage4 declaration, which calls for action in five areas:
- focus on prevention and early intervention
- build an accessible addictions health care system
- strengthen recovery closer to home
- improve crisis care
- lead change in mental health and addiction
The establishment of the Ministry for Mental Health and Addictions marks the fulfilment of the first of several campaign promises for improving mental health and addictions care made by the BC NDP, including a commitment to prevention and early intervention, a more integrated approach to health care, and improved additions care.
“This is a great first step in creating a system of care that values mental health and addictions care as equal to physical health care,” says Gutray. “We will be watching closely and ready to support improvements to the system of care through our network of community supports across BC.”
About CMHA
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in hundreds of neighbourhoods across every province, CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
Media Contact
Jennifer Quan, Communications Coordinator, CMHA BC Division
P: 604-688-3234 ext. 1416
E: jennifer.quan@cmha.bc.ca