PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Scott Fraser is welcoming a grant to provide greater access to low and no-cost mental health and substance use supports for the Ahousaht First Nation.

“Everyone deserves to have a space to process their past, work towards a better future and feel heard,” said MLA Scott Fraser. “This funding is part of our government’s commitment to improve access to quality mental health services in B.C.”

The Cha Chim Hii Yup Tiic Mis Ahousaht Health Centre is receiving a grant to hire additional counselling staff, provide honoraria for Elders and increase supervision. Grants are being awarded to twenty-nine community organizations across B.C. through the Community Counselling grants program administered by Community Action Initiative.

MLA Fraser said that this funding will support a broad range of mental health and substance use services, including easy-to-access counselling with a focus on marginalized individuals and those who have faced barriers accessing the supports they need. He added that a third of all recipients will be servicing Indigenous communities.

MLA Fraser said that the BC New Democrat government is committed to providing faster access to mental health services, when and where people need it, and that this funding is part of A Pathway to Hope: A roadmap for improving mental health and addictions care for everyone in B.C.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/20913