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Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health, Jonny Morris, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA) and Saleema Dhalla, interim CEO of SafeCare BC, released a statement in an effort to stand up for care providers’ mental health and safety.
The statement acknowledges the protests that have occurred in recent weeks at BC hospitals but stresses that it is not acceptable to interrupt vital, life-saving services.
The protests are taking a toll on care providers’ mental well-being and British Columbians are reminded that these people deserve respect and support.
“We want front-line providers to know that caring for your own mental health is vital for your family, friends and patients. It takes strength to reach out and seek help,” the statement affirms.
Over the past 18 months, BC’s care providers have been working on the front lines to provide care for others while worrying about bringing COVID-19 into their workplaces and homes.
Care providers have been supporting people affected by the pandemic, the drug poisoning crisis, the extreme heat and the confirmation of unmarked graves at former residential school sites.
“On top of these pressures, care providers are now experiencing fear and intimidation at their worksites,” the statement says.
“Workplaces can have a significant impact on mental health and care providers need supports to keep them well during these difficult times.”
The province, CMHA and SafeCare BC have been working together to ensure that care providers have the support they need – including two free support programs called Care for Caregivers and Care to Speak.
The mental health officials ask that “if you are a care provider, or you know someone who is, reach out to them, share these resources and show you care.”
The statement lists numerous supports that are available to people who need them:
Care to Speak provides free, confidential peer support for health-care workers in BC, either through online chat support or by calling 1-866-802-7337.
Care for Caregivers offers targeted mental health support for health-care providers.
Call the crisis line at 1-800-SUICIDE for crisis support anytime.
Call 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support or information.
Indigenous peoples can call the Kuu-us crisis line (1-800-588-8717) for culturally specific assistance.
BC’s new Workplace Mental Health Hub provides targeted support to people working in tourism, hospitality and community social services.
For support, call 1-88-686-3022 or email: [email protected] for support with extreme distress or trauma from responding to the COVID-19 and poisoned drug emergencies.
The statement expresses “a huge debt of thanks to our care providers for showing up every day to take care of others” and asks all British Columbians to continue supporting care providers’ mental and physical well-being.