Supporting health and wellness in the Sea to Sky region
A unique health partnership and planning for future health needs are two examples of how VCH is supporting patients, clients and their families in the Sea to Sky corridor.
Outreach partnership supports mental wellness in Squamish
Health-sector partnership with local police services can be a positive step towards helping vulnerable people get the mental health support they need and provide better access to mental health and substance use resources
Car 99 in Squamish has been operating since October 2024 and has so far responded to 480 calls including wellness checks, hospital transports and has provided direct contact between nurses and mental health patients. Car 99 was launched following the success of the Car 22 program on the North Shore, which is a partnership between VCH, West Vancouver Police Department, North Vancouver RCMP and the Integrated First Nations Unit.
What sets these programs apart is the collaboration between a clinical nurse specializing in mental health and an RCMP officer. This unique partnership helps respond to requests for mental health support, enhancing the effectiveness of the initiatives.
From December 2023 to December 2024, Car 22 responded to 870 calls on the North Shore. One in five people living in British Columbia will be affected by mental health, substance use or both in 2024.
Car 99 was launched following the success of the Car 22 program on the North Shore, which is a partnership between VCH, West Vancouver Police Department, North Vancouver RCMP and the Integrated First Nations Unit.
Planning for the future in the Sea to Sky region
VCH is committed to meeting the health and wellness needs of the fast-growing Sea to Sky corridor by developing a plan that considers feedback from people living and working in this region.
As part of the process, VCH has drafted a clinical services plan for the region, which based on historical data and trends, industry best practices, population projections and community input.
Once finalized, the plan will provide a vision and roadmap for future health-care services at a regional and community level. The plan will also help inform the space required and the infrastructure recommendations set out in Health Vision Sea to Sky.
Phase two engagement of Health Vision Sea to Sky is starting in May 2025. Patients, clients, families and residents in the Sea to Sky corridor are invited to attend the community sessions, learn about plans and provide input. Stay informed and help VCH shape the future of health care in Sea to Sky by visiting the webpage.
Clinical services plans
Clinical services plans for Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton based on what VCH learned during engagement sessions with the communities and First Nations.
