B.C. promises $6.6M for eating disorder services as demand reaches 'all-time high'
The B.C. government is committing $6.6 million to improve eating disorder services and expand virtual supports in the province, as demand for the services reached unprecedented heights during the pandemic.
Each health authority will be able to use the funding to hire more staff or expand existing services in their region over the next three years, according to the province.
"This expansion of eating disorder care comes at a time when the number and severity of cases of this life-threatening illness has reached an all-time high, due to increased anxiety and social isolation caused by the pandemic," said the province in a release Friday.
The B.C. government has also earmarked an additional $530,000 for the Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders, which offers virtual peer supports for people across the province.
The Ministry of Health credits Looking Glass with being accessible to British Columbians, especially for people living in rural and underserved communities where services may not be as reachable.
"Eating disorders are the deadliest, yet most misunderstood mental illness," said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions in a statement Friday.
"People suffering from eating disorders have told me their well-being and access to services has been disrupted by the pandemic. That is why we are expanding services in every health authority to ensure that more people get the help they need and deserve," she said.
Roughly 600,000 and 900,000 Canadian are diagnosed with an eating disorder each year, according to the province.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, says the Ministry of Health, with anorexia nervosa having a roughly 10 to 15 per cent mortality rate, and bulimia nervosa having a five per cent rate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.