Editor,
Thank you for allowing me to clarify information in the Sept. 3 article entitled "Mental health and addictions shelter closes," The Chief, Sept. 10.
Iris Place is a residential facility in Squamish for people with mental health and addiction challenges. After a review and with careful consideration, Vancouver Coastal Health decided to close Iris Place in October because it is under-utilized.
The $550,000 spent each year to operate Iris Place will go to other mental health and addiction services for residents of Squamish elsewhere in the Sea to Sky Corridor as well as the North Shore.
We will use these funds to increase the semi-independent living allowance. This allowance is given to clients who prefer a less structured living arrangement than is available at Iris Place. Often, these are clients who are the most vulnerable. Additionally, a new outreach position has been created in Squamish, so there is better support in identifying and engaging those in need of our services.
There are six beds at Iris Place. During the last five years, Iris Place was fully occupied (that is, the six beds were full) only 21 per cent of the time, on average. Contrary to what the article states, Iris Place was occupied in 2009, but all six beds were never full during that entire year.
Also, Iris Place is not a shelter; it is a supportive housing facility. Vancouver Coastal Health does not operate shelters.
Vancouver Coastal Health routinely reviews our services and resources to ensure they are used efficiently and effectively to protect health care and build a sustainable health system for all residents.
I would like to thank Iris Place staff and the community mental health and addiction care teams for their years of service and dedication to clients.
Dr. Joanne Bezzubetz
Director Mental Health and Addictions, North Shore, Sea To Sky,
Vancouver Coastal Health
