Province doubles number of treatment beds for youth struggling with addictions

VICTORIA— The Province is more than doubling the number of treatment beds for youth struggling with addictions.

The investment will see 123 new beds for youth substance-use treatment and withdrawal-management beds for young people ages 12-24. According to Judy Darcy, B.C. Heal Minister, of Mental Health and Addictions, this is the single largest increase in youth treatment beds ever made in B.C.

“For too long, young people and their families have faced long waits for treatment and a fragmented mental health and addictions system. Especially in these challenging times, young people shouldn’t have to wait for care. There’s much more to do, and we’re going to keep building a full continuum of mental health and addictions care for everyone in B.C.”—Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

The $36-million investment through 2022-23 will be focused on areas of greatest need. Locations for the new beds are being determined in consultation with regional health authorities.