Remembering 1999: Detox and Rehab Access for Women in BC

 Remembering 1999: Detox and Rehab Access for Women in BC

Years ago, the BC Coroners Service released a shocking report: there were virtually no detox or rehab beds for women in the province. At the time, there were only about 10 publicly funded beds for men, and almost none for women.

The Chief Coroner then was Larry Campbell, who later became Vancouver’s Mayor. His work highlighted the deep gaps in addiction and mental health services, particularly for women, and sparked important conversations about equity and access.

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The Reality Then

• Women struggling with addiction had almost no options for safe, supervised detox.
• Men had only a handful of beds, creating intense competition and long waits.
• Many people suffering from addiction were left on the streets, in SROs, or in unsafe conditions.

This lack of resources was not just a number on a report — it represented lives at risk, trauma compounded, and opportunities for recovery lost.

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Why This Matters Today

Fast forward to now:

• Some progress has been made, but access is still inadequate, especially for women and marginalized communities.
• Detox and rehab beds remain limited, and many are still released back into environments that trigger relapse.
• The Downtown Eastside continues to see the human cost of systemic neglect.

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Call to Action

Remembering 1999 isn’t just about history — it’s about urgency. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations must act to ensure:

• Equitable access to detox and rehab for women
• Adequate housing and support post-detox
• Outreach and peer support programs that reach people where they are, especially during harsh weather or emergencies

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Reflection

The 1999 report was a warning. The message was clear: when the system fails women, entire communities suffer. Today, we must not repeat the same mistakes. Lives are precious, and recovery must be accessible, safe, and humane for everyone.

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