Access Central, a clinical phone line that helps adults get support for addictions, is now available in the Interior Health region.
Callers seeking support or information can receive a clinical assessment within 24 hours, seven days a week, and be connected to certified health providers quickly to get appropriate addiction services.
The service, first launched in Vancouver 2023, provides one phone number per region that acts as a single point of entry to care, giving more people in BC access to personalized substance use care plans.
“Recognizing that every person’s recovery journey is different, Access Central prioritizes timely access to services by matching health care to a patient’s current needs. This new pathway to care strengthens transitions and removes barriers so individuals can engage in appropriate care when it matters most.” said Sylvia Weir, president and CEO of Interior Health.
In Interior Health, Access Central can be reached at 1-866-777-1103 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Access Central supports include same or next day screening, detox or withdrawal management placement, outpatient care, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), anti-craving medications, and ongoing recovery support.
The program will continue to show results as the call line has received over 34,500 calls, given 9,210 clinical assessments, and provided shorter wait times since its start in 2023.
Along with Interior Health the government has expanded the program to Fraser Health, Island Health and will soon expand to Northern Health, making Access Central available provincewide.
Access Central is part of B.C. ‘s broader Road to Recovery strategy to improve mental health and addiction care, including new treatment beds, youth centers, First Nations healing facilities, and supportive housing units. Road to Recovery is a way the Government plans to build a voluntary seamless system providing mental health and substance use care to British Columbians.
