B.C. adding 130 full-time drug treatment staff, 195 patient beds
Posted October 13, 2021 2:51 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Over the next three years, the province has announced it will fund an additional 195 new beds for patients seeking help for substance abuse and hire 130 more full-time drug treatment staff.
That will come at a cost of $132 million as part of the province’s previously announced half-billion pledge to address the overdose crisis in the 2021 budget.
“When a person living with addiction is ready to take a step toward recovery, we must ensure services are available when and where they need them,” Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said.
People living with addiction deserve support at every stage of their recovery. We're providing $132 million to make sure more people in BC can get the treatment and support services they need every step of the way. https://t.co/GQ7G3P9tW2 pic.twitter.com/Ey0mY7e99K
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) October 13, 2021
About 65 new or enhanced services throughout B.C. will be made for services including withdrawal management, transition and assessment, treatment, and aftercare services.
Related Article: B.C. toxic drug deaths in July mark second-deadliest month: Coroner
This news comes as the toxic illicit drug crisis shows no sign of slowing down.
In its most recent monthly report on toxic drug deaths, the Coroners Service indicated 184 people died due to toxic drugs in July alone.
