HUB ED and VPF TCC officially launched

A substantial rise in overdoses led BC to declare a public health emergency in 2016 and emphasized the urgent need for improved treatment options for a vulnerable population.

In July 2018, BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Hon. Judy Darcy, announced the launch of the HUB Emergency Department and Vancouver Police Foundation Transitional Care Centre (VPF TCC) at St. Paul’s. Along with the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC), they provide a continuum of care for people needing specialized mental health and substance use treatment, and help transitioning back into their communities. The culturally appropriate care includes an integrated Indigenous health team and connections to Indigenous healing programs.

This innovative care model was made possible with the investment of a number of community, health care, and industry partners. As the St. Paul’s Emergency Department receives nearly 11,000 mental health and substance-use-related visits each year, the HUB ED and VPF TCC are consistently at full capacity.

“The extra HUB beds are already easing the flow of our ED,” says Dr. Dan Kalla, Head of ED at St. Paul’s.