HSA to hold mental health forum March 31
Health Sciences Association of BC, a union representing mental health professionals working in hospitals and communities across the province, will hold a public forum on mental health services March 31 in Vancouver.
“Support for British Columbians struggling with mental illness and mental health is desperately needed. The HSA members who work every day with patients, clients, and their families to support them are holding this forum to talk about the challenges they face in delivering the services, and to hear from the people who rely on those services about their needs,” said HSA President Val Avery.
HSA has joined the Vancouver Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions and will bring the perspective of mental health professionals delivering service to the discussion.
“It is important that the perspective of the people delivering the service be heard in the current dialogue on mental health,” Avery said.
The March 31 forum will feature a panel that includes HSA members working in mental health, followed by a question period encouraging discussion about the delivery and availability of services.
HSA members include registered psychiatric nurses, psychologists, counsellors, addictions workers, outreach workers, recreation therapists, social workers, and many more who provide care in acute and community settings.
The forum is open to the public. Mental health care workers, clients, patients, and families are encouraged to attend.
Date: Monday, March 31
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street Vancouver