Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. schools receive cash boost for mental health

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Sep, 2020 08:20 PM
  • B.C. schools receive cash boost for mental health

Schools in British Columbia are getting an extra $2 million for mental health programs from the provincial government.

Judy Darcy, the minister of mental health and addictions, said the province is spending more on mental health programs this year because children are facing an unprecedented return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of $3.75 million will be spent in the 2020-21 school year to promote mental wellness and provide additional support for students, families and educators, Darcy told a news conference Wednesday.

School districts will determine how the funds are used based on their needs.

Darcy said she's heard from families and teachers that they are going through a "roller coaster of emotions" as schools are set to reopen next week.

"Some people are grappling with high levels of anxiety and stress about the return to school, and others, frankly, are feeling a sense of relief after months of uncertainty."

The government said in a news release that surveys have shown the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in mental health and substance use challenges.

It said there are a number of free and inexpensive counselling services that are available online, by video and by phone.

MORE National ARTICLES

O'Toole names Bergen deputy Tory leader

O'Toole names Bergen deputy Tory leader
Bergen was first elected in 2008 and was a junior cabinet minister in Stephen Harper's government.

O'Toole names Bergen deputy Tory leader

Canada mulls global vaccine contribution

Canada mulls global vaccine contribution
President Donald Trump ended U.S. funding to the WHO in July because he says it is being unduly influenced by China and needs to be reformed.

Canada mulls global vaccine contribution

Vancouver home prices rose in August

Vancouver home prices rose in August
While the number of homes listed for sale increased to 12,803 in August from 12,083 in July, the housing supply is still below the 13,396 homes that were on the market this time last year.

Vancouver home prices rose in August

PM says safe supply key to fighting opioid crisis

PM says safe supply key to fighting opioid crisis
Trudeau says the government is heeding the advice of top public health officials, including B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.

PM says safe supply key to fighting opioid crisis

Funeral leads to COVID warning in northern B.C.

Funeral leads to COVID warning in northern B.C.
A statement from the Nisga'a government says all those who attended a memorial, a funeral or settlement feast need to contact their community clinic.

Funeral leads to COVID warning in northern B.C.

WATCH: Darpan Special Feature-Back to school during COVID-19 with parents and teachers

WATCH: Darpan Special Feature-Back to school during COVID-19 with parents and teachers
DARPAN SPECIAL FEATURE: Students in the K to 12 school system in BC will be returning to school in September, but it will be a very unusual school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Darpan's social media host Ish Sharma reached out to local parents and teachers on how confident they are feeling in the Province's updated restart plan for school.

WATCH: Darpan Special Feature-Back to school during COVID-19 with parents and teachers