Ability’s Muse: Riverview would be stepping backwards

Columns October 2, 2013

With the diagnosis of mental illness rising at an alarming rate, it isn’t a stretch to say that we live in a time of crisis. A prime example of the desperation of this situation can be found in Vancouver, where the mayor and police chief recently proposed that the Riverview psychiatric institution be reopened. Much controversy has arisen because of this proposal, but it’s clear that action around this issue must be taken.

Riverview has a dark past and, like so many institutions of this nature, was in many cases a source of abuse and neglect for those in treatment. At its peak, Riverview contained nearly 5,000 beds, but reopened it’s said that this facility would accommodate 300 beds and would cater specifically to individuals with the most extensive mental health issues.

Many questions arise from this proposal, but what needs to be seriously considered first and foremost is whether Riverview will provide ethical treatment and whether it will be effective. The short answer is this: no.

The elements contributing to the mental issues being faced are far more intricately woven than is being acknowledged. There’s no quick fix.

The reopening of this facility has great potential to be a means of limiting the proactive steps that should be taken in the realms of preventative care, which is sadly neglected.