The state has announced a new phone app that police can use to respond to people experiencing mental health or addiction-related crises.
Mental Health Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth unveiled the $2 million app Wednesday morning in Port Moody.
Whiteside and Farnworth said HealthIM helps police officers assess individuals in crisis by connecting them with medical providers.
The government says one in five police interactions in British Columbia involves someone with a mental illness.
“Thanks to this new technology, police will be able to collaborate with medical professionals to provide more information to assess and respond more quickly, ensuring those in need get the right help. “It will be,” Whiteside said.
Related: COVID-19 is hurting the mental health of Canadian youth
While the system does not replace existing training for officers responding to individuals experiencing mental health or addiction emergencies, it promises to be another tool to improve interactions. It has been.
“We are helping officers support people in crisis with HealthIM, a risk screening tool that helps reduce the complexity and better respond to mental health emergencies. I am.”
Anita Furlan, vice president of the B.C. Association of Police Chiefs, said she welcomed the app.
“Law enforcement officers are often the first line of defense for mental health emergencies,” Furlan said. “Ultimately, this system not only protects the public, law enforcement, medical staff, and individuals in crisis, but also fosters safer and more supportive communities for everyone.”
This will continue in the future.
