BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs say the expansion of emergency support services at Burnaby Hospital for youth experiencing mental health and substance use challenges will provide young people with the help they need at a critical time in their lives.

“When a young person is in the hospital and in crisis, connecting with a therapist who cares can make a big difference to their well-being and their future,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “This investment in Dan’s Legacy means more youth in Burnaby will be able to get this vital support when they need it.”

This expansion of free mental health and substance use outreach at Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian, Burnaby General, and BC Children’s Hospital will be supported through a $1.35 million grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to Dan’s Legacy Foundation.

Dan’s Legacy provides trauma-informed and culturally sensitive counselling and wrap-around programming to youth affected by mental health and addictions challenges in Metro Vancouver. This funding will allow Dan’s Legacy to double their counselling and outreach team to a total of ten therapists, two social workers and two youth outreach workers.

Throughout the pandemic, Dan’s Legacy has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations for anxiety, psychosis, overdose and suicide attempts with their youth clients. The Foundation’s counselling services are available for young people 15 to 25 years of age who have experienced trauma and mental health or substance challenges, and their families. In the past four years Dan’s Legacy has helped over 900 youth meet their educational, employment and recovery goals.

Quotes:

Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed

“This has been a difficult year for young people, especially those dealing with mental health or substance use challenges on top of the pandemic. We are funding more therapists, social workers and outreach workers so young people can access care with fewer barriers.”

Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake

“We are making sure that when young people reach out for help, someone is going to be there for them. By providing counselling, skills and strategies for success, Dan’s Legacy is helping youth and their families to overcome challenges and thrive.”

Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds

“New Democrats are working hard to ensure everyone in Burnaby, and across B.C., has access to mental health care and support when they need it. This outreach program will help young people access safe, inclusive care that is designed for their unique circumstances.”

Learn More:  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0021-000838

Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions

A Pathway to Hope: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf

Stop Overdose BC: https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/