The province is looking to add to its mental health and addictions workforce through an expansion of the Health Career Access Program
The B.C. government announced a new effort Wednesday to bolster the mental health and addictions workforce in the province.
The first group of 30 students began their training in May, and a second group is slated to begin in September. The first cohort involves students from across the Interior Health Authority, including Vernon, Penticton, Enderby, Kelowna and Kamloops. It is being provided via remote education through Vancouver Island University.The announcement came one day after the BC Coroners Service reported that there were 181 deaths due to unregulated drugs in May of this year, and 185 such deaths in June.
Asked which kind of mental health and addictions professionals are most needed in the province currently, Whiteside said there are shortages across the board, including community support workers, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers. "I am so pleased that we are taking the success that we've had in that area of our health care system and we are expanding that program for people who want a career in the mental health and addictions support field," she said.
She said she enroled after taking a position as a medical office assistant at the Downtown Vernon Mental Health and Substance Use Clinic, which inspired her to"learn how to help people in a more meaningful way."
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
S&P 500, Nasdaq firm after Fed signals upcoming rate cutThe Kitco News Team brings you the latest news, videos, analysis and opinions regarding Precious Metals, Crypto, Mining, World Markets and Global Economy.
Read more »
Stock market news today: S&P 500 futures jump as techs rebound in countdown to FedA tech revival is helping lift stocks, with the Federal Reserve's rate decision on deck.
Read more »
Stock market news today: S&P 500 futures surge as techs bounce back on big Fed dayA tech revival is helping lift stocks, with the Federal Reserve's rate decision on deck.
Read more »
Stock market news today: S&P 500 edges up in wait for key earnings, Fed meeting kickoffA packed day of earnings and the start of the Fed's July meeting continue a potentially pivotal week for stocks.
Read more »
Stocks close mixed, with S&P 500 & Nasdaq posting small gainsThe major indexes (^DJI,^GSPC, ^IXIC) closed relatively flat on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing 49 points lower, and the S&P 500 and...
Read more »
Stock market news today: S&P 500, Nasdaq inch higher to kick off huge week for marketsInvestors are bracing for a big week filled with a Fed rate decision, the jobs report and Big Tech earnings.
Read more »