Mental Health and Addictions Accord
Mental Health and Addictions Accord
Overview
The signing of the Mental Health and Addictions Accord was a significant highlight of the Mental Health and Addictions Symposium, held on November 13 and 14, 2024 in Prince George, BC.
It celebrated the commitment of organizations and local governments to addressing mental health and addictions challenges collaboratively. The signing ceremony at the Symposium recognized the 25 initial signatories, many of whom were represented in person at the event.
Signatories include:
- Symposium Co-hosts: City of Prince George, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, North Central Local Government Association, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George,
- Indigenous Organizations and Communities: Letwilc ren Semec Recovery House, Northern First Nations Alliance, Gingolx Village Government
- Municipalities: District of Chetwynd, City of Dawson Creek, City of Fort St John, District of Mackenzie, District of Taylor, District of Tumbler Ridge, District of Vanderhoof, City of Williams Lake, Town of Smithers , Village of Pouce Coupe, District of Houston, District of Kitimat, District of Fort St James, City of Quesnel
- Regional Districts: Cariboo Regional District, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Peace River Regional District, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, North Coast Regional District, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
- Agencies: BC Schizophrenia Society, Drs. Farnan & O’Driscoll Inc, The POUNDS Project Society
Since the Symposium, 5 more signatories have joined (District of Fort St James, District of Kitimat, City of Quesnel, North Coast Regional District, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine).
With this milestone, every Regional District within the NCLGA operating area has now endorsed the Accord, demonstrating a unified and region-wide commitment to improving mental health and addictions outcomes.
Purpose and Vision
The Mental Health and Addictions Accord is a joint initiative designed to address the urgent mental health and addiction challenges facing Central and Northern British Columbia. This Accord establishes a collaborative advocacy framework, bringing together local governments, First Nations, healthcare providers, service agencies and community organizations. By uniting these partners, the Accord aims to advance positive solutions to improve services and outcomes for individuals affected by mental health and addiction, as well as related intersecting issues.
The Mental Health and Addictions Accord is designed as a living document, providing a framework of shared principles and actions to guide meaningful improvements in mental health and addictions services across Central and Northern British Columbia. It reflects a commitment to adaptability and responsiveness, recognizing the importance of engaging diverse communities and organizations to address evolving needs.
Review Process
We extend our gratitude to everyone who provided feedback on the Draft Accord. The external review period concluded on October 4, following the release of the Draft on September 25 to NCLGA member communities, First Nation band councils, mental health service providers, and key stakeholders in Central and Northern BC. Prior to the review period, collaborative workshops were held on June 28 and September 26. The feedback received has been invaluable, capturing a range of perspectives and addressing the needs of diverse agencies and communities.
Recognizing the importance of broadening engagement, we are committed to expanding our network for the next iteration of the Accord. Further engagement efforts will focus on reaching additional groups, including underrepresented communities, community-based organizations, and new partners across the region. Our goal is to ensure that the Accord reflects an even wider array of voices and insights, fostering more inclusive and comprehensive solutions to the challenges of mental health and addiction.
Living Document and Next Iteration in 2025
The Accord is intended to be a living document, outlining shared principles and actions to drive improvements in mental health and addictions services across Central and Northern British Columbia. Recognizing the need to continuously engage and understand the diverse needs of communities and organizations, the Accord is set for review and an update in mid-2025.
- If your local government or agency missed the first review and comment period, which closed on October 4, 2024, please email bjohnson@nclga.ca to be included in the next round of commentary in 2025.
We look forward to further incorporating feedback and ensuring the Accord represents a broad consensus. Your continued support and input are vital to this effort, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive process that reflects the voices of all our communities.
Upcoming Meeting of Accord Signatories
A meeting of the Mental Health and Addictions Accord signatories is being planned for early 2025. This meeting will serve as an important opportunity for signatories to discuss shared advocacy strategies, explore collaborative actions, and align efforts to drive meaningful improvements in mental health and addictions outcomes across the region.
These efforts reflect our shared commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement in addressing mental health and addictions challenges in Central and Northern British Columbia. Further details about the meeting and review process will be shared in the coming months.
Is your agency or local or First Nation government interested in endorsing the Accord?
– We invite all NCLGA members, First Nation governments and mental health resource and service agencies in the NLCGA operating-area of Northern and Central BC to consider endorsing and adopting the Mental Health and Addictions Accord in their communities.
Please reach out to bjohnson@nclga.ca to find out more.