PROSPER and leaders urge federal action on BC's mental health and addictions crisis. Read our statement and press conference highlights.

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** PROSPER's Media Week Recap ([link removed])
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On September 16, the Foundation for Drug Policy Solution’s (FDPS) Canada affiliate, the

Policy Roundtable On Substance Prevention, Education, and Recovery ([link removed]) , participated in a press conference in Vancouver. FDPS CEO & President Dr. Kevin Sabet, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, First Nations leaders, public health experts, and law enforcement officials joined forces to address the urgent mental health and addictions crisis affecting Vancouver and municipalities throughout the province.
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** Click here to watch the press conference ([link removed])
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Dr. Kevin Sabet said the following, “Our province is in the midst of the worst drug crisis in our history, and we need new solutions. Doing the same thing and hoping for a different result isn’t working. Mayor Sim should be applauded for taking initiative and pushing government to introduce a framework for mandatory care. As has been done in many progressive U.S. states, like California, Massachusetts, and Washington state, this can be done in a way that is compassionate and balanced.”
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Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim asking the Federal Government for the legal and financial support to make mandatory care a reality, reform bail for repeat offenders, and strengthen port policing to stop the import of illicit drugs.
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“It is not compassionate to allow people who pose a serious and immediate danger to themselves and others to wander our streets with serious and untreated mental health disorders.” - Vancouver Police Chief Constable Adam Palmer


** News coverage of the press conference
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Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Dr. Kevin Sabet on Global News calling for urgent action in Vancouver and municipalities throughout the province. Click here to read. ([link removed])
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Vancouver Sun reporting on Dr. Kevin Sabet and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim requesting immediate action. Click here to read. ([link removed])
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Dr. Kevin Sabet joined Mornings with Simi on 980 CKNW to talk about drug addiction and policy reform in Vancouver. Click here to listen. ([link removed])

Other Coverage of The Press Conference

Global News: Mixed reaction to first supervised drug inhalation site in Vancouver (LINK) ([link removed])

CBC News: British Columbia mayors write to governments demanding mental health action (LINK) ([link removed])

Daily Hive: Several British Columbia mayors form coalition over broken addictions and public safety systems (LINK) ([link removed])

CTV News: British Columbia mayors demand federal funding for involuntary care, bail reforms, port crackdown (LINK) ([link removed])

MSN: British Columbia mayors seek 'immediate action' from governments on mental health crisis (LINK) ([link removed])
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PROSPER’s ([link removed]) mission is to be the trusted source for non-partisan evidence and policy advice on drugs in Canada. Our vision is to create a culture of prevention and a climate of recovery.

We are only getting started in Canada. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Donate now to fund our mission ([link removed]) .
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The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions ([link removed]) (FDPS) is a national drug policy think/action tank whose vision is a world in which children and families thrive, substance use is prevented, and there is rapid access to quality treatment. From prevention and recovery to smart law enforcement and better international cooperation, we are working to change the face of drug policy. Too many people are losing their lives to addiction. It is time for big change.

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