Today, statistics show that at least one in five British Columbians will experience a significant mental health problem that will require treatment and/or services at some point in their lives. We also know that mental illness and substance use disorders affect people of all ages, in all occupation, educational and income levels.
In our community there is a growing marginalization of people with mental illness and/or addictions disorders. Studies indicate that addictions and mental health problems will affect 20% of our citizens during their lifetime and that these are the fastest rising causes of worker absenteeism.
Costs to Canadian society and the economy are profound. Health Canada estimates approximately $14 billion lost annually due to lost productivity.
In BC mental illness accounts for more than 20% of inpatient hospital days for people aged 15-64 and a significant percentage of emergency and family physician visits.
Homelessness census in 2005 indicated that the number of homeless people doubled in 3 years to almost 500 people. The vast majority of people on the street deal with an addiction and/or mental illness.
The answer to this growing problem is not simply in expansion of existing services but in being creative with the kinds of services to meet people’s needs.
Over the years, we have seen great policy and planning efforts by the provincial government to infuse more money into the mental health system. Typically these funds are allocated to enhancing the “formal” mental health system. We need some “out-of-the-box” programs and services that help people to lead meaningful and productive lives.
.gif)
