The impact of mental health and substance use problems in British Columbia is significant. Over any 12 month period, about one in five individuals in the province will experience significant mental health and/or substance use problems, leading to personal suffering and interference with life goals.

The B.C. Ministry of Health and its six health authorities identify and commission patient experience of care surveys to guide improvement initiatives throughout the province. In 2010, the short-stay mental health and substance use sector was identified as a priority sector for surveying (R. A Malatest, Nov 2011)

For information regarding the results of this survey, please see the following documents. 

• Patient Experiences with Short-Stay Mental Health and Substance Use Services in British Columbia
• Northern Health Authority - Substance Use Storyboard
• Northern Health Authority - Mental Health Storyboard
• Mental Health and Substance Use Short-Stay Inpatient Experience in British Columbia
• Healthy Minds, Healthy People - Progress Report 2012

For province wide statistics, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

Canadian Center on Substance Abuse: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/Pages/Home.aspx

National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADP): http://www.nnadaprenewal.ca/en/home