The following letter was sent to Health Minister Terry Lake and copied to Coast Reporter.
Dear Minister Lake:
Recently five community-based mental health agencies were informed they lost their Vancouver Coastal Health funding. This means they will be forced to close or significantly reduce vital services. The organizations are: The Art Studios, ACE Access Community through English, the BC Schizophrenic Society, the Mood Disorders Association and the West Coast Mental Health Network.
When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis, I used at least three of these agencies over a period of years. These programs not only helped me get well, but help me stay alive. I am now a fully contributing citizen of B.C. I work full time and have done so for over 12 years as mental health educator at conferences across North America representing our province.
The costs of cutting these services will pale in comparison to the medical and other healthcare expenses incurred because these services are not available. And lives will be lost.
Martin Addison, executive director of the Mood Disorders Association told me the VCH cut is $87,000, representing 18 per cent of their total operating budget. Almost the entire amount is used to fund their support groups.
Because of the help and information provided at those groups I didn't visit my doctor and psychiatrist as frequently. This funding is a small portion of a government budget, but represents an enormous amount for a non-profit on a shoe-string budget.
I ask you to revisit these cuts and reconsider the decision to drop funding.
Victoria Maxwell
Sechelt
