People in correctional facilities in British Columbia (BC) experience high rates of mental health and substance use challenges. Nearly 70% of individuals in these facilities are affected by these conditions, yet access to timely and appropriate care remains limited. Correctional centres are not designed as healthcare facilities, and individuals in crisis often face delays in receiving appropriate treatment. This can worsen their health, increase risk of harm, and make it harder to support recovery and safe reintegration into the community.
This project will evaluate the implementation of integrated mental health and substance use units within BC correctional facilities. These units aim to provide timely, coordinated care directly within correctional settings, reducing delays and improving continuity of care. The research will examine how these services are being delivered, what challenges and successes are emerging, and how care can be improved. It will involve reviewing existing programs, analyzing early health system data, and gathering insights from staff involved in delivering care.
This project is funded through the 2025 Health System Impact Fellowship, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Canadian Institute of Health Research) in partnership with Health Research BC. The doctoral fellow leading this project is Dr. Lotenna Olisaeloka from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He will work with Dr. Daniel Vigo (BC’s Chief Scientific Adviser for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders) and Dr. Vijay Seethapathy (Chief Medical Officer, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services), alongside partners at the Provincial Health Services Authority.
Findings from this research will inform policy and practice, helping improve access to care, equitable service delivery, and health outcomes within BC’s health system.