Increased assaults and attacks for seemingly no reason in Metro Vancouver, where mental health is a factor, raises questions about whether closed facilities should be reopened Some officials are watching.
May, Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department said the city's violent crime increased 7.1% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to Vancouver Police Department data released late last year,an average of people fall victim to random and baseless attacks by strangers every day. These figures do not include incidents of barfights, robberies, road rage or assaults in places where the individuals are known to each other.
Some of the perpetrators ranged from 200 to his 500 times in the past. Some have records of their interactions with the police.
Vancouver bureau chief of police calls related to "mental health component." Howard Chow also says about 84% are involved in violence, danger or crime, and 12% are involved in weapons.
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CurrentlyPsychiatric Facility in Riverview Wondering whether to reopen or similar organization Some people think
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said Monday that "there are people in the heart of the city who need more, if not more, mental health and addiction support." "I think this is a longstanding problem. For example, there has been no answer to this since Riverview closed."
Read More: A new center for adults with mental health and addiction issues can be seen at the Riverview Hospital site
In 2017, the State Government of Coquitlam announced plans to build a center for adults with severe mental health and addiction challenges on the grounds of Riverview Hospital in New York City. 105 beds will be installed.
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The Red Fish Healing Center opened last year, but supporters say these beds are from other facilities. Said it had just been moved and didn't add anything. additional bed.
BC Health Minister Adrian Dix said on Tuesday that the state government will purchase hotels and buildings to provide new housing and facilities for those who need them.
``Provide the support that people with the greatest needs need, not just housing.''
But BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon has He told News the government would have to do something "dramatically different" to meet these needs.
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Riverview Hospital has been It served as a state facility for mental health services, but was closed by the state in 1904. 2012, after years of downsizing.
But not everyone thinks hospitals and similar facilities should reopen.
Guy Felicela, BC Peer Her Clinical Her Advisor. The Center on Substance Use said Riverview caused a lot of "harm" to patients.
"As for opening something in that facility, it needs to be completely demolished and rebuilt something that supports people struggling with mental health in today's times, not the dark ages." I think. The past."
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