Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. opens 'first of its kind' addictions centre

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Oct, 2021 04:08 PM
  • B.C. opens 'first of its kind' addictions centre

COQUITLAM, B.C. - The British Columbia government says a new addictions and mental health treatment facility in Coquitlam, B.C., could influence how the province develops care in the future.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson says the 105-bed Red Fish Healing Centre is the first of its kind and will allow patients to be treated for mental health and addictions together.

Malcolmson says having both issues treated at the same time wasn't previously possible at other B.C. treatment sites.

She adds that the centre has patients but is not yet at full capacity, with its success determining if the model will be expanded across the province.

Selina Robinson, the finance minister and representative for Coquitlam-Maillardville, says the treatment centre has been a long time in the making.

Robinson, who previously worked as a family therapist and addictions counsellor, says she's encouraged to see the advancement in treatment since the 1990s.

"To actually see it materialize into a culturally safe, therapeutic community that recognizes all aspects of a human ... is a really exciting turn and forward thinking and progressive way of doing this sort of work," she said at a news conference.

The centre replaces the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, which will be decommissioned in the future.

Malcolmson said the centre's opening highlights the lack of previous investment in mental health and addictions over the past 16 years.

"The centre is part of a broader system of care to serve British Columbians with the most complex mental health and substance use needs so that people can get the help they need."

The opening comes as the death toll surges because of toxic illicit drugs.

The latest data as of July from the BC Coroners Service reported it was the second-highest number of overdose deaths the province has recorded in a single month.

July marked the 17th consecutive month in which more than 100 residents in B.C. died from the toxic drug supply, the coroner said.

A public health emergency was declared in 2016 and since then the overdose death rate has almost doubled from 20.4 per 100,000 people to 39.7 per 100,000 in 2021.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Skeletal remains found in Newton: Surrey RCMP

Skeletal remains found in Newton: Surrey RCMP
On October 12, 2021, at 8:47 am, Surrey RCMP received a report of possible human skeletal remains located in bushes near 152 Street and 64 Avenue. City workers were in the area performing maintenance on the dyke when they discovered what they believed to be human skeletal remains.

Skeletal remains found in Newton: Surrey RCMP

Witnesses sought in Attempt Abduction

Witnesses sought in Attempt Abduction
On October 10, 2021 just before midnight, Surrey RCMP received a report that a woman was grabbed from behind by an unknown male who attempted to drag her away as she walked on a path in the green-space connecting Edinburgh Drive and 132 Street. 

Witnesses sought in Attempt Abduction

VPD appeals for witnesses to serious hit-and-run

VPD appeals for witnesses to serious hit-and-run
The victim, 30, was crossing East 41st Avenue at Fraser Street at 6:25 a.m. this morning when he was struck by a vehicle that was travelling west, causing serious head injuries.  The driver fled west without stopping.

VPD appeals for witnesses to serious hit-and-run

Most parents support masks in schools: survey

Most parents support masks in schools: survey
Most respondents (89 per cent) said they were vaccinated. Of those with children 12 and older who are eligible to get a dose, 81 per cent said their kids were also vaccinated.

Most parents support masks in schools: survey

Americans not focused on border with Canada: poll

Americans not focused on border with Canada: poll
The poll, conducted by Leger for the University of Manitoba and Metropolis North America, found just 29 per cent of U.S. respondents were fearful about the Canada-U.S. border.

Americans not focused on border with Canada: poll

COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place for some workers

COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place for some workers
Nearly 89 per cent of eligible residents had received at least one dose of vaccine, while just over 82 per cent were fully vaccinated. Those under age 12 are not eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Canada, but the province confirmed over the weekend that it had opened up registration for younger children through the Get Vaccinated portal.    

COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place for some workers