The B.C. government is changing its Mental Health Act, to allow for involuntarily care for up to seven days for people aged 19 or younger after an overdose.
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy says the change would help ensure the immediate safety of young people in crisis. She says they will be discharged when they are able to make decisions for themselves as part of a short-term emergency care plan at B.C. hospitals.
“This is a new and much needed tool in our toolbox to help youth with severe substance use challenges and their families,” she said. “Experts are telling us this emergency measure is vital to ensure the immediate safety of young people in crisis.”
“We are taking that advice and we are enabling hospitals to extend the care they provide to help youth stabilize and leave the hospital with a clear plan to access voluntary services and supports in the community.”
Dr. Tom Warshawki, medical director for child and youth for the Interior Health Authority, says the legislation recognizes the profound vulnerability of youth, adding it will save lives.
“Having a non-fatal overdose is a major risk factor for a subsequent fatal overdose. As many as 10 per cent of adults who have a non-fatal opioid overdose die within one year,” he said.
“Now, with this legislation, clinicians have the legal tool, with safeguards, to help a youth take a pause in their drug use in order to have their medical and mental health needs addressed, reconnect with supports and possibly enter into treatment or, at the very least, be equipped to use drugs safely until such time as they are able to take positive steps toward recovery.”
The province says this short-term emergency care will be available at hospitals throughout B.C. where there is an existing designated psychiatric unit or observation unit.
Supports Don’t Go Far Enough
The B.C. Liberals say the Mental Health Amendment Act does not go far enough in helping youth struggling with addiction.
“May was the deadliest month for overdoses in B.C.’s history and reinforced the urgent need for substantive action from this government to provide youth with addictions the proper supports they need,” said opposition critic for Mental Health and Addictions Jane Thornthwaite.
“More than ever, John Horgan and the NDP need to step up their response to this crisis and repair the gaps in the system before more people — especially our kids — fall through the cracks. I’ve outlined an easy solution to protect kids in the Safe Care Act, and it’s disappointing the government continue to ignore it.”
She says the NDP need to invest in substantive changes to help save the province’s vulnerable youth.
“The NDP’s legislation falls short in filling any of the significant existing gaps in the youth mental health system and lacks the teeth to implement the services needed, including treatment and supports for those chronically addicted who do not present to an emergency room with an overdose,” she added.
“Today’s proposed legislation is very cumbersome, and it remains to be seen how it will help youth at their most vulnerable, especially those suffering from addiction.”
