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Crisis Line (Photo credit: CMHA Vernon)
By Pete McIntyre
demand increasing

B.C. crisis lines get funding boost as part of new project

Jan 14, 2022 | 2:24 PM

Crisis lines in B.C. are getting a $2.3 million funding boost from the province, along with new oversight.

Mental Health Minister Sheila Malcolmson says the unprecedented emergencies like the floods, the poisoned drug crisis and the COVID pandemic have made crisis lines busier than ever.

“I am grateful for the dedication and tireless work of crisis line workers. Their efforts and commitment have saved lives. Our government is acting with urgency to ensure every call is answered and no one is left behind,” Malcolmson stated.

The funding will be used for more responders to increase call capacity, improved recruitment and retention strategies, better technology and standardized training for call responders.

As part of the changes, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) will eventually oversee crisis line services, and contract directly with all crisis line providers through the Crisis Line Enhancement Project.

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The PHSA will work with health authority partners and crisis line providers over the coming months to transition to a single service contract for each health authority.

“This will create a more co-ordinated provincial system and provide British Columbians with more sustainable and reliable crisis line services,” Malcolmson commented.

The provincial co-ordination of crisis lines under PHSA will come into effect in the spring of 2022, and new contracts with service providers will be in place in the fall.

by Pete McIntyre
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