BC Nurses' Union urges Province to make mental health care a priority

The BC Nurses' Union is sending a strong message to Premier Christy Clark and Health Minister Terry Lake to make mental health care a priority.

BCNU Vice President Christine Sorensen says mental health services in BC are not sufficient to meet demand. "More mental health resources are needed immediately in the hospital and the community. Receiving care can mean the difference between life and death for someone who has serious mental health problems."

One in five people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Patients and their families lack support. Insufficient programs and services means nurses struggle to provide safe patient care.

BCNU is also calling on the province to create a long-term mental health strategy.

Nurses all over BC have been reaching out in their communities to gather public support for better mental health services. They have collected over 4,500 signed cards which are being delivered today to the office of the health minister and premier.

More info and online petition: https://www.bcnu.org/news-and-events/campaigns-and-initiatives/current-campaigns/seasonal-postcard.

CONTACT:
Catherine Pope
BCNU Communications
cpope@bcnu.org
604-313-7412