Re: “$12-million care boost to help addicts, mentally ill on Island,” Dec. 17.
It is always good news to hear that money is being spent to help people with mental-health or addiction issues.
However, is the clinical model always the right approach? When people leave the hospital setting, exactly how do they spend their time? Is it in isolation? Are they able to work or attend school? Do they even have any friends or family for support?
The cost of an acute bed is $1,500 per day. This is a high price for a short-term solution to a long-term issue. How much money does Island Health spend on the rehabilitation of individuals with mental-health problems and addictions is a question we should all be asking, as Victoria has the highest number of street deaths per capita in B.C. How much do other health authorities in the province spend on evidence-based rehabilitation? Is Island Health even close?
I spoke to a homeless man on the street recently on a cold day. He was wearing Island Health pyjamas for warmth. He told me once he leaves hospital he’s good for about three months, then he hits a wall and has to return. It might be time for Island Health to look further than the clinical model and introduce a community-centred, holistic model.
How do other cities assist those with mental illness and addictions? Is it always a clinical approach? Has Island Health looked at the rehabilitation services in Winnipeg, Prince Edward Island or Toronto?
Heather Keel
Brentwood Bay
