A recent report by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) has shed light on the critical inadequacy of mental health and addiction services in the Sooke Region.
Despite the best efforts of local providers, the report highlights a critical need for significant improvements to essential services. This has a particularly negative impact on the youth and seniors within the community.
According to the report’s author, Hermione Jefferis, both young people and seniors are experiencing disproportionately higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to other age groups.
Jefferis emphasized the pressing need for services tailored specifically to address these demographics’ unique mental health needs during a presentation to Sooke council.
READ: Mental Health Substance Use and Addictions Report
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that nearly one in five Canadians face mental health illness each year. However, many individuals encounter prolonged waiting periods to access the care they require, while others are left without any care or receive inadequate support.
The SRCHN report highlights significantly elevated occurrences of depression, mood disorders, and anxiety within the Sooke Region when compared to the rest of British Columbia.
The report provides recommendations encompassing a spectrum of services, including psychiatric emergency care, medical detoxification, in-patient treatment facilities, peer-to-peer support programs, and access to safe supplies, to address these concerning findings.
Christine Bossi, the executive director at SRCHN and an advisor on the report, emphasized the immediate need for increased funding and support from the provincial and federal governments.
Bossi added that despite the rising inflation and escalating needs, funding levels have stagnated since the pre-COVID era. Consequently, several non-profit organizations offering vital mental health and addiction services have been forced to shutter programs due to financial constraints.
Signs suggest the provincial government may consider an upsurge in mental health funding.
Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar referred to recent provincial government commitments, including a promise of $1 billion towards expanding treatment options and establishing specialized youth-focused “foundry centres.” These centers are intended to provide accessible walk-in counselling services, primary healthcare referrals, and specialized substance abuse services.
“I agree there is a need to provide those types of support for youth and people of all ages, as well as supply direct supports to people who are facing homlessness,” Parmar said during an interview.
Scheduled to meet with Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside in December, Parmar intends to address mental health concerns within the Sooke Region specifically.
Following the report’s release, SRCHN will advocate for the report’s recommendations to officials at all levels of government, raising awareness about the existing barriers and urging swift action. SRCHN is forming a regional mental health committee to address and discuss these critical issues.
Bossi highlighted the urgency for immediate solutions while suggesting interim options such as the Sooke Family Resources Society, Pacific Centre for Family Services, and private counsellors to cater to pressing needs.
“It’s a very big nut to crack,” she said. “Unfortunately, (the mental health problem) is just getting worse.”
RELATED: Read the Mental Health Substance Use and Addictions Report
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