New tool supports police in Northeast B.C. in responding to mental health calls

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new mental health screening tool has launched in northeast B.C., supporting police responses to mental health-related calls. 

According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. HealthIM, a new “evidence-based, risk screening tool,” was launched in northeastern B.C. on June 17th. 

The ministry said police agencies, health-care providers and people in crisis in the region will benefit from the launch of a “digital public-safety tool” which will support officer response to those in crisis. 

The province said HealthIM is a digital public safety system that improves emergency police response in mental health and addiction crises and increases safety for first responders, health-care providers, and people in crisis. 

HealthIM guides responding officers through a series of questions to facilitate a better assessment of a person in crisis. Additionally, the system helps improve communication with healthcare professionals using consistent clinical language and provides doctors and nurses with critical information. 

“HealthIM has proven to be a valuable asset to help police officers safely and effectively de-escalate complex situations by promoting safer interactions with people in crisis,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. 

Krieger said the government will continue to make “meaningful investments” to support law enforcement in responding to mental health and substance use emergencies as the program rolls out across the province this year. 

“By facilitating better communication, HealthIM aims to help officers gain insight into the factors behind a person’s behaviour, leading to more informed and compassionate interactions,” the release said. 

The province said the program was launched in late 2022 at the RCMP detachment in Prince George and has delivered “significant and measurable outcomes,” including a 42 per cent reduction in apprehensions in its first year, driven by enhanced call assessments. 

Within 11 months, the number of apprehensions decreased from 494 to 288, which the province said reflects a successful shift from custody to hospital admissions, along with other supports for people experiencing a crisis. 

In partnership with the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police (BCAC), the province launched HealthIM at RCMP detachments in the northeast region, including Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge. 

Fort St. John RCMP have begun using the HealthIM tool.  

More information on the program can be found on the HealthIM website.