Overdose crisis funding distribution stops at Smithers for this round of government action

The province of British Columbia has put aside 1.7 million dollars to take action on the growing issue of overdoses in the province, money that the NDP government is putting towards local action to save lives and provide connection for people to seek treatment and recovery options.

Judy Darcy, British Columbia's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions made the announcement on Friday,  noting how the money will go to organizations that are equipped to address the serious issues affecting their communities.

 “People on the ground – in communities – are the best equipped to identify what's working, to find the gaps and to set priorities as we work together to end this achingly long public health emergency,” ... “That's why I am so encouraged by the projects put forward from communities in every part of B.C. to save lives, fight stigma and connect more people to treatment and recovery.”

Twenty seven British Columbia communities will share in the funding program,  however for the moment, the closest that the funding arrangement will get to the North Coast is Smithers, where Positive Living North has been allocated funding for their work in the Bulkley Valley.

There was no indication from Friday's announcement when further funding may be announced to add to the resources of the Northwest to address the overdose crisis.

You can review more of the funding supports deliver on Friday here.

Further background on the Community Overdose Crisis Innovation Grants can be explored here.

For more items of interest out of the provincial capital see our Legislature Archive page here.


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