DABC has joined Health Justice and a number of other organizations across BC in calling on the province to publicly report on COVID-19 infection rates in psychiatric units and facilities, as well as the provincial policies that are in place to address the safety and well-being of patients and staff.

To read the full letter and media release, click here. Individuals and organizations can also join the call by signing onto the letter at the same link.

People with disabilities and their families, communities and support organizations are writing letters to government to ensure that we can have an essential support person(s) with us in health care settings like hospitals, doctors’ offices or other medical places.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, support person(s) may not be allowed into health care settings. This is a problem for people with disabilities, as many of us require the help of a support person(s). Support people can help us feel calmer, help us stay safe, and help us communicate our needs, decisions and experiences.

We want policies that help to make sure that patients with disabilities have the support they need. This will mean people with disabilities get the same quality of health care as other people.

Click here to join in: https://www.include-me.ca/covid-19/action/essential-support-persons-people-disabilities-medical-settings

UPDATE: A plain language version of the May 5th letter sent to government regarding the importance of allowing the presence of essential support person(s) when people with disabilities are hospitalized is now available.

Read the plain language letter here.