A recent evaluation report says more people across the province experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis are being connected to the Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) service.
The mobile, community-led crisis services assist people aged 13 and older who might be experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feelings of grief, distress or panic and anxiety.
The Province, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division, launched the service in 2023.
Since then, seven teams have answered approximately 20-thousand calls in Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Victoria, and the Comox Valley, according to a new report by CMHA BC.
The team is a combination of mental-health professionals and people with lived experience, who are trained in providing trauma-informed, culturally safe crisis support.
In addition, CRCL connected people in crisis to a range of supports, including:
* crisis intervention and de-escalation
* system navigation and advocacy
* family and social supports
* substance-use and harm-reduction services
* basic needs and safety, such as first aid, food, water or clothing
“Meeting someone experiencing a crisis with care and understanding can be not only life-changing, but lifesaving,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA BC in a news release.
“Our evaluation report shows that CRCL is an appropriate and effective response to a mental-health crisis, underscored by the data showing that mobile teams only requested emergency services in fewer than 1% of dispatches.”
In addition, the service has been effective in freeing police resources to focus on crime and other areas.
According to the report, dispatchers triaged 98 percent of calls without police, fire or emergency medical services involvement.
When mobile teams responded in person, they directly requested emergency services in fewer than one percent of dispatches.
“When people are experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis, it’s critical they are met with compassion, understanding and the right supports,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“CRCL is helping connect people to care when they need it most, while freeing up police and emergency responders to focus on other calls and demonstrates the important role of community-led crisis response.”
The full report can be found here.
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