BC Greens promise MSP coverage for mental health care
Posted October 5, 2020 9:49 pm.
Last Updated October 5, 2020 10:35 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — The BC Greens have vowed to invest $1 billion so that mental health care is covered by the province’s medical services plan.
Leader Sonia Furstenau said Monday that cost should not be a barrier to seeking help.
“It’s time we treated mental health like any other widespread health issue, and properly fund it within our public health system,” she said.
The party says treatment for anxiety and depression needs to be more accessible, and that youth and their families need more options when seeking early intervention. More outreach to the homeless, and more detox and treatment beds are also areas the Greens say need more investment.
It’s time to treat mental health like any other health issue by funding it in our public system. @BCGreens plan includes:
Treatment for anxiety & depression
Youth-specific programs
Community-based centres for mental health & rehabilitation
Loneliness Strategy— SoniaFurstenau (@SoniaFurstenau) October 5, 2020
Furstenau noted COVID-19 has increased isolation, which can both cause and compound mental health issues.
“To address loneliness we would follow the lead of other countries who have taken action on the issue, and we would develop and implement a Loneliness Strategy,” she said.
