Nurses Rally for Improved Mental Health Services for Kids at Risk

Several hundred nurses gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery to call for better services to help youth suffering from mental health issues.

"Nurses see youth struggling with serious mental health issues every day," said BCNU President Gayle Duteil. "They come into the hospital in crisis and there aren't enough beds or nurses to take care of them. Youth in trouble need ongoing supports and services and we know they're often not receiving it."

The BC Nurses' Union has partnered with Project Backpack, a non-profit organization that helps over 1,000 homeless youth in Vancouver. BCNU donated 260 backpacks and nurses across BC have filled them with essential supplies and 1,300 gift cards.

"There are hundreds of at-risk youth who are homeless or couch surfing in Vancouver," says Cara Sinclair, founder of Project Backpack. "Many of these youth live with mental health issues that only make it harder for them to find help and support. Project Backpack's goal is to help ease their pain while they try to get back on their feet and also to shed light on this important issue."

The need for improved mental health services for youth is province-wide. BCNU has repeatedly called for the Abbotsford Psychiatric Unit to be reopened to youth in crisis. Currently, the only place for them to go is emergency or an adult ward, which is not appropriate for young people.

Gayle Duteil was also joined at the rally by Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union.

CONTACT:
Catherine Pope, BCNU Communications - 604-313-7412
Cara Sinclair, founder of Project Backpack