Whereas in the face of the drug use epidemic, the rise in homelessness, and increases in related crime and the influence on mental health, Northern British Columbia communities are experiencing a critical lack of access to long-term secure psychiatric care; And whereas the closure of Riverview Hospital in 2012, the provinces only psychiatric hospital, has created an unnecessary strain on the residents of our communities, families, local police services, and hospitals; And whereas psychiatric patients are either released prematurely or forced to be admitted to acute care hospital beds causing cancelled surgeries, emergency department overcrowding, long emergency room waits, violence in emergency rooms, and staff attrition: Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA endorse and advocate for the provincial government to work with the Northern Health Authority to recognize this urgent need and open a psychiatric hospital in northern British Columbia to contribute to the overall health and stability of our communities.
