The following letter was sent to the Ministers of Health, Children and Family Development, and Social Development and Poverty Reduction by BCSTA President Carolyn Broady on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 on behalf of the BCSTA’s Comprehensive School Health Working Group.

Dear Ministers,

On behalf of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Comprehensive School Health Working Group (CSHWG), I am writing to express our urgent concerns regarding the accessibility of Foundry BC services for youth, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas throughout our province.

The Foundry BC initiative is vital to inclusive and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 24. As the CSHWG analyzed Foundry locations and services, we noted that many regions, predominantly rural and remote areas, are disproportionately lacking in these essential services. The gap in services not only undermines the support available to vulnerable youth but also exacerbates existing disparities in mental health outcomes across our province.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s parents, workers, and leaders; we rely on them to make our communities vibrant and our economy strong. To ensure students around the province have access to professional, reliable and accessible mental health services, we must expand the Foundry BC program services to ensure equitable access for all youth, regardless of their geographical location. While the current reliance on virtual services is innovative, it poses significant challenges for those living in areas with insufficient connectivity. As a result, many young individuals are left without the support they desperately need, leading to increased feelings of isolation and distress.

To foster a healthier future for all youth in British Columbia, we urge your ministries to collaborate and prioritize allocating resources to enhance Foundry BC services in these underserved regions. Investing in in-person and virtual support options ensures that every young person has access to the mental health resources they require to thrive.

We appreciate your ministries’ ongoing efforts to support our youth’s mental health and wellness. Together, we can build a more inclusive and accessible system that empowers every young person in our province to seek help without barriers.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We look forward to your response and working together to enhance the health and well-being of youth across British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association