Funding will support expanded outreach services, connecting people to care and helping reduce pressure on emergency services in the community.
The City of Campbell River is pleased to announce the launch of a local Mobile Outreach Program. Led by the City in partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society, and funded by Health Canada, the program will help address the rising toxic drug deaths in Campbell River and the surrounding area.
The program focuses on supporting people at the highest risk of overdose and death due to the toxic drug supply, as well as their families, peers, and community members, through a rapid, community-based overdose response.
Individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, poverty, trauma, and limited access to timely health and social services may face challenges connecting to the supports they need. The program will offer assessments, transportation to and support attending appointments, and assistance navigating complex systems like access to housing. Through this work, it aims to reduce reliance on emergency response services, strengthen coordination of care, and support individuals in building coping strategies and skill development, while encouraging voluntary connections to treatment and recovery pathways.
“The public health crisis resulting from toxic drugs has had a devastating impact on our community,” said Mayor Kermit Dahl. “We are grateful for this funding from Health Canada and our growing partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society. The Mobile Outreach Program will help connect people to care, reduce pressure on emergency services, and create more opportunities for individuals to stabilize and move forward in our community. We will continue working with partners across all levels of government to advocate for expanded access to recovery and supportive housing, building on important steps like this program and the Homewood Temporary Housing initiative.”
Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund supports community-based projects that respond to urgent and emergent needs related to substance use and the illegal drug crisis. It helps communities build local capacity and improve access to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services.
For 2026–27, Health Canada has approved $1,140,313 in funding for the Mobile Outreach Program in Campbell River. This funding will support a strengthened outreach team run by Lookout housing and Health Society, including a Program Coordinator, two Outreach Workers, a Mental Health Support Worker/Recreation Therapist, and trained peer workers with lived experience. It will also support three additional positions including two Community Support Officers and a Community Safety Coordinator. These roles will help evaluate the program and strengthen partnerships as part of the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Action Plan. The program will operate five days per week with weekend, evening and after-hours coverage as available.
"We recognize that local and Indigenous communities are best positioned to understand the impacts of this crisis and the unique needs of their people,” says the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “Their leadership ensures that care is delivered with compassion, respect, and cultural understanding. The initiatives announced today expanded access to substance use health services, strengthened social supports, and enhanced the availability of culturally appropriate programming for those who needed it most."
"This investment from Health Canada allows us to meet people where they are, with dignity and practical support,” says Shayne Williams, CEO, Lookout Housing and Health Society. “The program reduces barriers to care, offering trauma-informed outreach, and we're proud to work alongside the City of Campbell River and community partners to deliver this immediate and sustainable response.”
Visit www.campbellriver.ca for more information.
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Contact: Jeff Ford | (250) 286-5740 | jeff.ford@campbellriver.ca