Today DABC sent a letter to British Columbia’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Adrian Dix, seeking information about “triaging guidelines” that we understand are being developed by the government. These are guidelines for how healthcare providers may allocate life-saving resources, such as ventilators, if the healthcare system is overwhelmed and there is a shortage of those resources. DABC is concerned the guidelines may mean some people with disabilities will not get the same healthcare treatment that others receive. In our letter to Minister Dix, we recommend that the government must consult with human rights experts and vulnerable communities in creating the guidelines. We also urge the government to ensure that decisions about who gets life-saving care will not be based on stereotypes, bias, or ableism, and that the guidelines do not result in people with disabilities being excluded from life-saving care.

DABC’s letter to Minister Dix can be seen here.

DABC, along with hundreds of other groups and individuals across Canada, recently signed an open letter to the government of Ontario, calling for urgent changes to Ontario Health’s Clinical Triage Protocol for Major Surge in COVID Pandemic. This Protocol sets out guidelines for how doctors may allocate life-saving resources, such as ventilators, if the healthcare system is overwhelmed and there is a shortage of those resources. DABC is concerned that the Protocol may mean that some people with disabilities will not get the same healthcare treatment that others receive. Although the Protocol is specific to Ontario, we are worried it may be copied in other provinces. We are now trying to find out if similar guidelines have been created in BC, and if so, what they will mean for British Columbians with disabilities. DABC will keep advocating to ensure any action taken by the government of BC is consistent with the recommendations in the open letter. If we receive any further information we will post updates on our blog and social media.

You can find the open letter to the government of Ontario at this website: https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/

The BC government has announced expanded virtual mental health programs to support people experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, or worry during the COVID-19 pandemic, available at low or no cost.

For more information, click here.