Funding announced to support communities in finding local solutions to growing overdose crisis.
Funding of up to $3.5 million was announced by Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention.
There will be up to $50,000 available in grant funding for community projects. This funding is available through the Community Wellness and Harm Reduction Grant program administered by the Community Action Initiative.
Some examples of eligible projects include community dialogues, needle distribution and recovery projects. As well as projects designed to reduce the stigma and help connect people to health-care services.
In addition to grant funding, 35 of the hardest hit communities by the overdose crisis will receive up to $150,000 in funding for community action teams. Escalating the response to the overdose crisis is a key pillar of the government’s actions outlined in a Pathway to Hope. An initiative designed to make the system of mental health and addictions care better for the people of B.C.
All eligible grant projects must be led by municipalities in a partnership with a regional health authority.
