Mental Health Week 2015: Mayor’s Task Force continues progress on mental health and addictions

May 6 2015

The Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions has made significant progress in implementing the 23 priority actions set-out by Council in September 2014 to improve the health and housing needs of residents living with mental health issues and addictions.

“Mental Health Week provides an important reminder that the Task Force is beginning to change the way mental health and addiction is addressed in Vancouver; standing together at one table is key to moving forward with an innovative and collaborative strategy,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We know there is a lot of work to do and we will continue to commit the resources and energy it will take to create long-lasting impacts in the lives of people with mental illness and addictions.”

Progress of the Mayor’s Task Force

Since the Phase 1 report, Caring for All: Priority Actions to Address Mental Health and Addictions was approved by Council in September, five dedicated working groups have formed to launch Phase 2, implementing the 23 priority actions.

The task force includes over 60 members, including:

• Health care executives
• Government representatives
• Academics
• Non-profit leaders
• Advisors with lived experience

The task force will meet in June 2015 to discuss progress and next steps on the 23 priority actions.

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