Addition support service providers in all provincial health authorities have been awarded funding to ensure ongoing support for people struggling with addictions throughout the province.
Grants were awarded to service providers including 25 in Fraser Health, 11 in Island Health, eight in Vancouver Coastal Health, seven in Interior Health and two in Northern Health. Eligible applicants were required to be licensed and/or registered under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
According to a press release from the provincial government, 53 eligible grant applications came in and all were awarded, totalling just over $2 million. The grants support existing bed-based treatment and recovery services province-wide. Individual grants ranged from $25,000 to $45,000 based on the number of qualifying beds within eligible services.
“The overlapping overdose and COVID-19 emergencies have created unparalleled challenges for British Columbians, especially those with substance use disorders,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “We are listening to the recovery community and working to ensure mental health and addictions services continue being there for people throughout the pandemic and after.”
According to government, while the majority of bed-based treatment and recovery services have remained open during the pandemic, modified operating practices required to meet public health requirements – such as physical distancing – created financial pressures for operators. These grants are helping offset the pressures and enabling ongoing access to services, which is a critical part of B.C.’s overdose response.
“The Realistic Success Recovery Society is very grateful to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for responding to the financial needs of organizations delivering quality recovery and treatment services,” said Susan Sanderson, executive director of the Realistic Success Recovery Society. “We know that compared to the general population, people with substance use disease are more vulnerable to the hardships of physical distancing and social isolation. The grant we received has assisted us in responding to the increased demands and costs created by COVID-19 on our residents and staff.”
