B.C. suicide prevention, mental health funding announced

B.C. has announced additional funding for suicide prevention and supporting those in crisis in the province.

Minister of Mental Health Sheila Malcolmson says the B.C. government is investing $2 million to “create provincewide standards and training” to improve the system for people who may be at risk.

The money will be used to fund programs to help with screening, management, and care plans.

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“This will be a partnership with regional health authorities so we can reduce suicide deaths in B.C. We are supporting health professionals so they have the tools they need to provide the best possible care for people,” she said Thursday, noting each authority will receive funds to support strategies and address unique priorities and gaps in each region.

“Implementing these new tools and providing training and support for clinicians will help ensure people in mental health crisis consistently get the best care possible.”

Malcolmson explains the updated framework will also ensure care is in place for people in rural and remote communities.

Overall, the initiative will be based on “established international best practices, local clinical knowledge and expertise, as well as the perspectives of people with lived experience.”

She says the funding aims to close existing gaps in care for those in need.

“We need to continue to expand access to mental health supports across the province so everyone can get the care they need wherever they are,” she added.

The BC Coroner’s Service reports there were 582 suicide deaths investigated in in the province last year. That figure is down from 597 in 2020 and 634 in 2019.