A Letter from Dr. Lindsay Mackay, Mental Health and Addictions Committee Chair

Dear Colleagues,

We want to acknowledge the pressing substance use crisis affecting Vancouver and the surrounding area that has resulted in devastating loss of life and harm to our community. Over 14,000 people have died since the toxic drug poisoning crisis was initially declared in April 2016. In 2023 alone, BC’s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, reported 2,511 deaths — averaging nearly seven people every day. This crisis is a complex issue that impacts our community deeply, and it’s important for all of us to recognize our roles in addressing it. We understand that as family physicians, your experiences with this crisis may vary.
Some of you may have lost loved ones, may have witnessed the effects firsthand on your patients and practice, while others may see its alarming rise through news reports. Regardless of your vantage point, we appreciate that you are on the front lines of healthcare, and we recognize the challenges you face in providing care to those affected by substance use disorders.

Furthermore, we acknowledge that this crisis is intertwined with broader systemic issues such as racism, health inequities, the toxic drug supply, and social determinants of health. While these systemic issues are beyond the scope of the Vancouver Division, we recognize and acknowledge them as significant contributors to this crisis. We understand the frustration you may feel, not with your patients, but with wanting to provide holistic care that is not universally accessible.

However, amidst these challenges, your involvement remains profoundly meaningful. Your support is crucial in their journey towards recovery and better health outcomes, and we are committed to supporting you. Our organization is actively working to contribute to solutions by conducting a situational analysis, engaging the right voices, highlighting existing resources, and keeping you updated along the way. However, we know that we cannot do this alone. It requires a collective effort from all of us – healthcare professionals, people with lived experience, community organizations, government agencies, and our broader community – to find lasting solutions. Together, with communication and collaborative efforts, we can make a meaningful difference and provide vital support during these challenging times.
We appreciate your dedication and compassion in this critical work. We invite you to stay updated with our fundamental groundwork through our Initiatives page (link will be provided later) as we work together to address this crisis.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lindsay Mackay, MD, CCFP

Mental Health and Addictions Committee Chair

Vancouver Division of Family Practice