Many individuals in Abbotsford face addiction and/or mental health issues. The societal impacts of addictions and mental health issues extend far beyond the costs of services that people require. Addictions and mental illness issues place a heavy burden on the health care system, lead to worker absenteeism, reduce worker productivity (both by the person with the addiction and their caregiver or family), and increase safety risks in the workplace. Consequently, entire families - including children and youth - are significantly affected by addiction and mental health issues.
The City of Abbotsford is addressing mental health and addictions issues by working in collaboration with government, health and social service agencies. One of the main accomplishments in this area by the City in collaboration with community stakeholders was the Crystal Meth Community Forum held on January 18, 2007 to raise awareness about addiction to this particular drug.
The Social Planning department and the Abbotsford Social Development Advisory Committee are addressing the following priorities related to mental health and addictions:
- Implementing the Supportive Recovery Use Policy;
- Addressing low barrier/low threshold housing gap in Abbotsford;
- Working with service providers to create a continuum of care for people with mental health and addictions ;
- Organizing a community forum to raise awareness about how the illegal drug trade impacts vulnerable and marginalized mental health and addiction clients, and the most effective ways to treat this population (April 2009) and host a community exploration on harm reduction (October 2009); and
- Support and promote the end of stigmatization of mental health clients.
Mental Health and Addictions Resources:
For more information please contact Reuben Koole, Social Planner at 604-557-1468.