Mental Health & Substance Use Resources

On April 26, the Province announced steps to ensure employee and patient safety with regards to illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals. As such, Island Health will be enhancing education and awareness to better support staff in unsafe situations, consistently prohibiting drug possession, use, and purchasing in hospitals across B.C., and improving treatment and recovery support for patients with substance or opioid-use disorders.


Crisis Lines

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, please contact one of the crisis lines below:

Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8

  • A safe space to talk or text, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

  • Resource for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and across the province. Support is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year. 
  • Adult Crisis Line: 250-723-4050      
  • Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040

Information and Support

Use of Unregulated Substances 

Children and Youth

News & Events

image with text changing the narrative on suicide

Spreading the supports: Island Health grant to help expansion of youth suicide prevention program

A youth suicide prevention program that has supported thousands of young people in Greater Victoria is expanding to more school districts on Vancouver Island, thanks in part to an Island Health Community Wellness Grant Program.

Read more

Time to remember time to act

International Overdose Awareness Day: Confronting stigma, embracing community

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to prevent toxic drug poisonings, and remember, without stigma, those who have died.

Read more

Hand on shoulder

New Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub ready for clients

Starting on September 4, Westshore residents will have improved access to mental health and substance use support services with the opening of the new Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub.

Read more