Kelowna RCMP have teamed up with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) to provide more help for people struggling with mental health and addictions.
The partnership includes the creation of a Police and Crisis Team (PACT), a mobile mental health and substance use crisis intervention group.
PACT includes a dedicated psychiatric nurse and a specially trained RCMP officer responding to calls.
“Police recognize the value of taking the time to talk with the person in distress, to ask the right questions, and to listen,” Kelowna RCMP Supt. Brent Mundle said. “Combined with the expertise of a mental health nurse, it is anticipated this new PACT program will provide an enhanced service to people in distress and, ultimately, offer them a high degree of patience, care and compassion.”
The team assesses needs and connects the person in crisis with the appropriate services to reduce repeat visits to the emergency department.
“Having this specialized team will help reduce these re-admissions and shift care into the community setting,” IH Board Chair John O’Fee said. “This will ultimately help reduce pressures on the busiest emergency department within Interior Health and more importantly, provide immediate necessary supports and attach individuals to appropriate mental health, substance use and community resources.”
PACT aims to provide an in-depth initial roadside triage and assessment and offer a broader range of options than immediate hospitalization. This may include referral to a family physician, services at the Community Health and Services Centre, or more urgent care provided in a hospital.
The new PACT began training earlier this month. The team’s first official day was Monday, March 27.
Last year, there were more than 4,000 mental health and substance use admissions to Kelowna General Hospital’s emergency department.
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