Dozens of B.C. sexual health clinics could close without funding boost, group warns

A non-profit organization that operates multiple clinics supporting reproductive and sexual health across British Columbia is at risk of closing most of its locations without financial assistance from the provincial government.

Options for Sexual Health manages 30 clinics throughout B.C., offering services such as birth control, pregnancy support, STI testing, care, and sex education.

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The organization has not received a significant increase in funding for twelve years. It requires a $1.5 million annual increase in core funding to maintain all clinics open, and it could sustain 15 clinics with an $800,000 bridge funding.

“Over the past 12 years, the cost of living, business operations, and inflation have risen, while our core funding has not kept pace,” said executive director Tiffany Melius in an interview with Global News.

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Melius warned that without additional funding, the organization will have to close all but five clinics by April, which could have severe implications for communities with limited access to reproductive and sexual health care.

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“Without our clinics, individuals in need of reproductive and sexual health care will face challenges in accessing services, potentially leading to a public health crisis,” Melius explained.

Nurses at Options receive up to 35% less pay than their counterparts under the B.C. Nurses’ Union agreement, Melius added.

Options clinics cater to approximately 14,000 individuals annually, with a focus on marginalized groups such as youth, newcomers, LGBTQ2+ community, and tourists.

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Many clients served by Options are individuals who feel uncomfortable accessing conventional care settings, Melius noted.

The organization has issued an open letter to the provincial government, urging for a sustainable increase in funding.

BC Health Minister Josie Osborne was not available for comment on Monday, but the ministry stated that they are collaborating with Options and other partners to ensure continued care delivery.

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