Urgent Funding Boost: Expanded Supports for BC’s Youth Amid Opioids Crisis

The opioid crisis continues ravaging communities in British Columbia, with a sense of urgency prevailing to address the pressing needs of vulnerable young people battling addiction. Today’s announcement of additional funding, amounting to $1.73 million, for Dan’s Legacy Foundation brings hope.

“Dan’s Legacy was founded in memory of a young man who, after surviving sexual abuse as a teenager, self-medicated with hard drugs in an attempt to numb the psychological pain of the traumatic experience. He received help from substance abuse recovery programs on two occasions, but did not have access to essential one-to-one therapy. Tragically, Dan relapsed, overdosed and died. He was 19.” Dan’s Legacy Website

This investment aims to enhance wraparound supports, including counselling and other crucial services, for young individuals grappling with mental health and addiction issues. The collaboration between the foundation and BC Children’s Hospital seeks to bridge the gaps in care by providing comprehensive support to these youth, both during their hospital stays and upon transitioning back to their communities.

Recognizing the dire circumstances faced by young people with addiction challenges, the government’s investment is a significant step towards addressing the gaps in their care. The foundation’s ten therapists, two social workers, and four youth outreach workers will offer vital counselling services and support vulnerable youth navigating mental health and addiction challenges. This expansion in wraparound supports aims to ensure a continuum of care for these individuals, bridging the transition between hospital settings and their communities.

BC Children’s Hospital has joined forces with the Foundation to provide after-hours on-call support to young people struggling with substance-use challenges. This collaboration ensures that individuals receiving medical treatment and care at the hospital can access comprehensive support. By leveraging the expertise of Dan’s Legacy Foundation’s social workers, outreach workers, and therapists, these young individuals can receive immediate assistance and follow-up services as they navigate their recovery and transition back to their communities.

The foundation has a proven track record of supporting vulnerable youth facing mental health and addiction challenges. This additional funding allows the foundation to expand its capacity to meet the pressing needs of these individuals. The targeted support will be extended to a wide range of youth, including those unhoused, Indigenous, in and out of care, survivors of trauma, 2SLGBTQIA+, or at risk. By providing trauma-informed care and meeting the youth at the crucial moment they seek help, Dan’s Legacy Foundation can significantly impact their recovery journey.

The investment in expanded wraparound supports for young people in British Columbia who face addiction challenges marks a crucial step in combatting the ongoing opioid crisis. This collaboration aligns with the goals outlined in A Pathway to Hope, British Columbia’s roadmap to transforming mental health and addiction care. As efforts intensify to support vulnerable youth, there is hope for a brighter future where these individuals can access the help and support they urgently need.