The Chief Scientific Advisor utilizes data and advises on how to improve care for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, with (or at risk of) acquired brain injury due to exposure to toxic drugs.
The mandate and the responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs & Concurrent Disorders include, among others:
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Access and analyze all relevant data from sources across BC to enhance our understanding of the services available for this population and make recommendations on how to improve said services,
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Identify opportunities to increase, on an expedited basis, the number of providers, teams, and beds available to care for these highly complex patients,
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Examine the role of the Mental Health Act and related legislation, develop recommendations for changes to the Act that can positively impact the experience of care and the outcomes of care,
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Provide guidance to medical professionals across BC on the utilization of our current legislation to maximize access to care for people with the most severe forms of mental disorders, substance use disorders, and acquired brain injury,
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Work closely with health systems partners, people with lived experience, their families and communities to improve mental health and addictions treatment services in B.C.