Substance Use & Mental Health

Share your Story

There is power in opening up and telling your story. We are inviting you to use the power of storytelling to share your experiences with substance use, harm reduction supports, treatments, and recovery. Visit Let's Talk Delta's End the Stigma Page to share your story.

Share Your Story

What is City of Delta doing?

In April 2016, in response to an escalating overdose crisis, BC’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) declared a public health emergency. In March 2020, the provincial government declared a second public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first eight months of 2020, the province witnessed more overdose fatalities than in all of 2019. 

Delta is not immune to the crisis. In 2020, there have been 15 overdose deaths and 166 overdose events attended by BC Ambulance Service (as of November 2020). The City and first respondents are on the front lines – saving lives and supporting their residents through harm reduction services. The City of Delta has taken various steps to support its residents in need:

  • Counselling Services for Vulnerable Residents: The Little House Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Society (LHS) receives annual funding of $75,000 from the City of Delta to provide counselling and intervention services related to alcohol and drug addiction and recovery for Delta residents and their families. Delta also provides annual funding of $115,000 to support children and youth at risk through the provision of counselling services.
  • Delta Community Action Team: City’s staff is working with the Delta Overdose Community Action Team (CAT) and other partners to support developing a community-driven and evidence-based action plan and to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the overdose situation in Delta.
  • Report to Council: A comprehensive analysis of the overdose situation in Delta and BC was presented to Council in November 2020, which resulted in concrete harm reduction actions. Read the report.
  • End the Stigma Campaign: In 2021, the City of Delta has partnered with Delta Police and Delta School District on developing an educational campaign around substance use issues and utilized various available resources, including Delta’s social media, using advertising space at Delta’s bus shelters, and through other channels and community partners. In addition, in partnership with various community partners, an online depository of resources and supports available to Delta residents affected by substance use disorders.
  • Access to Data: City staff works with Fraser Health Authority (FHA) to streamline sharing of overdose-related data specific to Delta to support evidence-based community planning processes in addressing the increase in overdose activity in Delta. View the latest infographics.
  • Advocacy: In December 2020, the Mayor sent letters to Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Health, urging the federal government to recognize the overdose crisis as a national public health emergency and work with the provinces to develop a comprehensive plan to address this issue. Letter to the Minister

Mental Health & Substance Use Community Supports