Itisindeedtimetoact

Editor:

I would like to applaud Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord for his thoughtful and comprehensive op-ed that appeared in the Optimist on July 20 We need a comprehensive strategy towards the mental health and substance use disorder crisis, outlining specific objectives, have realistic timelines for completion and have oversight that these outcomes are being met.

Education, rapid access to detox, without barriers, speedy admission to a residential facil- ity, community programs and vocational training opportunities, plus community follow-up should be the plan.

To be admitted to the Fraser Health detox program there is a waiting period of six weeks, and following detox, there may be a two to three month waiting period for a “bed” in a residential facility. There are only 24 detox “beds” in all of Fraser Health These are all barriers a person faces when they make a decision to get well

Some private facilities offer detox on site, coun- selling, peer support, a comprehensive program, and education with a one-year follow-up after discharge. This treatment option will cost about $35,000 for a six-week stay.

We talk about a twotiered health care system This is a perfect example that equitable care is not available to all citizens

The measure of a society is how they treat their most vulnerable citizens We can do better.

It seems straight forward what needs to be done, so let’s act.

Barbara Hoffman