Changing the Way we think about mental health and addictions New BC Minister of Mental Health

Marlyn, Have you heard the amazing news? The BC government has appointed Judy Darcy as the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions with the mandate to establish a dedicated Ministry to improve access to services for people with mental health and substance use problems. The fifth pillar of CMHA BC's b4stage4 declaration has been fulfilled. The coming weeks begin a new era of leadership for mental health and addiction in our province. Now is the time that we need your help to start shaping BC's new system. While the province’s opioid crisis will rightly be the immediate focus of the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, we anticipate a decided shift toward increased opportunities for early access to mental health and substance use supports when people first need them. In other words, we are witnessing the b4stage4 principles of prevention and early intervention be put into practice to lay the foundation for a better system of care. Yet anticipation of progress isn't progress. Plans are not actions. We need to GET LOUD to ensure what is promised is delivered.  But how do we get started? The first step is determining the who, the what and the where. Who should be identified as a priority population? Where should screening and early intervention services be located? What higher level strategies are needed to effect change? The answers to these questions are by no means obvious. We need your input. Will you take our Help Shape Our Future Survey? Your voice will help decision-makers understand what British Columbians see as the best ways to intervene earlier for mental health and substance use problems. If you give us five minutes of your time, we’ll take your responses to government. Together we can help our new government keep their promise to put people at the centre of their decision-making. Thank you for taking part. Sincerely, Bev Gutray, CEO Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division