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
VANCOUVER – (May 6, 2024): The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is proud to announce the commencement of its 73rd Mental Health Week, running from May 6th to May 12th. This year’s theme, “Healing through Compassion,” delves into the profound connection that compassion fosters among individuals and communities. Compassion, defined as the practice of meeting […]Continue readingCMHA’s 73rd Mental Health Week Shines Spotlight on Kindness, Compassion, and Action
The theme of Mental Health Week 2024 is ‘Healing through Compassion.’ Being compassionate means that we don’t just recognize our own or someone else’s suffering, but we respond with care. Taking action is what activates compassion — that means doing something that helps those who may be dealing with a problem or challenge in their […]Continue readingMental Health Week 2024 Tool-Kit
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
Information Bulletin The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) is pleased to confirm the selection of successful proponents for the service “Peer Assisted Care Teams,” (PACT) a mobile community-led crisis response funded by the Province of BC operating in Kamloops, Prince George and Comox Valley. In the Summer of 2023, CMHA BC released […]Continue readingCMHA BC selects Peer Assisted Care Team Service Providers in Comox Valley, Prince George, and Kamloops
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