VIHA DEFENDS RECORD, PLANS MEETINGS

We in the Vancouver Island Health Authority are deeply concerned by
suggestions we have not fulfilled our responsibility to provide
appropriate mental health and addictions services and do not see
these issues as a priority.

VIHA shares the responsibility for leadership in addressing
homelessness, mental health and addictions with the federal and
provincial governments, municipalities and many voluntary support
agencies and together we are working to find solutions.

Last year alone VIHA directed $92.6 million to services and programs
that assist people with mental health issues and addictions, while
responding to many other competing priorities across health care
including reducing wait times for surgery.

This year VIHA has invested an additional $1 million for new youth
addictions services and prevention and education programs. We
recognize addictions treatment involves much more than access to
detox and includes offering safe-housing options.

On southern Vancouver Island alone, VIHA provides over 700
specialized housing units for individuals living with, or recovering
from, mental health and addictions, with onsite or outreach support
services. The opening of the Archie Courtnall Centre two years ago
has provided a care model that is the envy of other communities in
Western Canada.

Treatment (which is where the health system plays a primary role) is
only one part of the addictions picture. VIHA, together with Victoria
Mayor Alan Lowe, plans to bring together a cross-section of
jurisdictions, organizations and agencies involved with those living
with addictions to examine this issue in detail. We know there is no
quick-fix solution, however we are committed to explore both
immediate and long-term actions that can be taken to further improve
our response to individuals suffering from addiction.

Howard Waldner,

Chief Executive Officer,

Vancouver Island Health Authority.