COURTENAY – New Democrat MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard says youth and their families will have faster, easier access to mental health and substance use services, primary care, and wrap-around supports with the announcement of a new Foundry Centre in the Comox Valley.

“By providing better access to primary care and mental health services we can help young people tackle their health challenges early on and equip them to live full, healthy lives,” said Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “I want to thank the John Howard Society of North Island for partnering with our government so that together we could deliver this great news for our community.”

Leonard says the Foundry Centre is one of eight new facilities announced today, for a total of nineteen centres across the province, and will offer increased access to integrated health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 24. The centre will offer primary care, youth and family peer supports, walk-in counselling, mental health and substance use services, and social services all under one roof, making it easier for youth to get help when they need it.

The BC NDP government is committed to improving access to mental health services across the province, the Foundry Centres are just one part of A Pathway to Hope, a 10-year plan for mental health and addiction care.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22387