Finding help

  From the "Rural, Remote and Northern Communities" issue of Visions Journal, 2020, 16 (1), p. 36

BC Rural Health Network

bcrhn.ca

The First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day Program helps all First Nations community members in BC connect with a doctor no matter where they live. Doctors either have lived experience or training in cultural safety and humility. Learn how to access this innovative program.

In rural and remote communities, many people fall through the cracks when they aren’t sick enough for traditional health services but can’t navigate community services. Princeton created a community outreach program to keep people connected, even if all they need is friendly conversation. Learn how this innovative program brings together diverse services and supports to build safety nets and keep the community healthy.

Migrant workers come to work in Canada for months at a time in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and other industries. In many cases, they have to leave their families at home and work in remote areas. Culture shock, isolation, language barriers, and other factors can lead to mental health and substance use problems. MOSAIC’s Migrant Workers Hub in Surrey (which also supports people online or by phone) and partners Dignidad Migrante Society, Kamloops Immigrant Services, and Kelowna Community Resources share initiatives to support migrant workers and help people find mental health or substance services help when they need it.

The last few years have not been easy for many small communities in the Cariboo—wildfires, floods, landslides, mill closures, and the ongoing opioid crisis have increased the need for local mental health supports. In October 2019, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Quesnel branch opened to serve the community with counselling support, crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid, and more. Stephanie and Kirsten share how listening and adapting lead to creative solutions even when resources are limited.

William thought that moving to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver would help him deal with alcohol and cocaine use, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, but it took a lot of work to get on a path to recovery. David, co-chair of the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network, says that this is a common experience. While small communities have similar mental health needs as people in urban centres, services are not always available. Identifying needs, bringing people together, and collaboration between service providers is helping the island build a healthier community.