The Editor,
Re. “Public property & mental health keys” (Letters, The Tri-City News, Jan. 27).
I agree with letter writer Joerge Dyrkton. Just because a mentally ill person can be treated in Prince George does not mean we should eliminate the original public role of the Riverview Hospital lands, located centrally in the Lower Mainland.
The Riverview Land has been designated as a sanctuary to provide long- and short-term care for the mentally ill. It is concerning that there are so many mentally ill in hospitals and prisons.
The need for supportive and appropriate care has not diminished, it has increased. Riverview land has space for treatment, rehabilitation and training programs. I note that in that in prisons, only 3% of the budget is spent on rehabilitation.
We have a sacred trust to care for others in a humane way.
Eileen Reilly, North Vancouver
