BC Health Minister addresses addiction crisis

BC’s Minister of Health Josie Osborne announced today that the province was ending its failed experiment with decriminalizing hard drugs. The province is also expanding its hotline for people seeking help with addictions, promising to speed up the time it takes to provide treatment.

“This is welcome news for businesses that have been frustrated watching vulnerable people in need not getting the help they are asking for,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “It’s time to move on from what clearly has not been working and focus on what organizations that care about our community have been calling for — a safe downtown starts with helping those who can’t help themselves and protecting them from predators.”

The Access Central phone line is active with Island Health, at 1-888-885-8824 from 9 am to 7:45 pm. The idea is to provide a simple access point to get a clinical assessment within 24 hours. Callers can then be referred to a detox facility for appropriate treatment, followed by support during their ongoing recovery.

“When someone makes the vulnerable and brave decision to seek help for substance use, they need access to treatment and care quickly,” Island Health Board Chair

Leah Hollins said in the media release.