Whereas the number of people in BC, including in rural and remote communities, experiencing mental health and addictions issues continues to increase and there is a distinct lack of resources and treatment options for such individuals; And whereas the provincial government has committed to expanding complex care, treatment, and aftercare across the province to provide quality care to British Columbians where and when needed but there appears to be a disconnect in how regional Health Authorities are advancing this commitment in rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the Province to mandate regional Health Authorities to take a proactive approach to developing and implementing regional plans to address mental health and addiction issues and provide funding to do so.
Ministry of Health The regional Health Authorities receive global funding to deliver programs, including mental health and substance use programs, and each takes a regional perspective in determining priorities for implementing service delivery to meet the needs of people in their region. The Province is working to further expand outreach services to support people who are in a mental health or addiction crisis in rural or remote communities. As of March 2025, there are 33 Assertive Community Treatment ACT teams and 34 Intensive Case Management ICM Teams outreach-based services and recovery-oriented service delivery models. The teams facilitate community living, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery for persons who have not benefited from traditional models of mental health substance use care. Rural ICM teams have already been implemented within the Interior Health Authority in Cranbrook, Nelson, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops, and Williams Lake. In rural and remote communities, observation units in hospitals are an important health service for ensuring access to acute psychiatric services. If a patient requires more treatment or rehabilitation, they may be transferred to either a facility designated under the Mental Health Act to receive voluntary or involuntary treatment. Health Authorities also work with the Ministry of Health and other partners to proactively address several shared challenges including encampments, complex care, treatment, and aftercare across the province.