A digital tool designed to help police respond more effectively to mental-health and substance-use crises is expanding across northern British Columbia.
Health-IM launched at RCMP detachments throughout the Northeast region on June 17 and is scheduled to roll out across North Coast communities in the coming months. The expansion includes detachments in Terrace, Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Smithers, Burns Lake, Dease Lake, Houston, Masset, Daajing Giids and several other northern communities.
The system provides officers with a structured assessment process when responding to people in crisis. It helps police evaluate risk, gather behavioural and contextual information, and share critical details with health-care providers using consistent clinical language.
According to the province, the program has already shown measurable results. Following its introduction at the Prince George RCMP detachment in late 2022, Mental Health Act apprehensions dropped by 42 per cent within the first year, falling from 494 to 288 cases. Officials say this reflects a shift toward connecting individuals with hospital care and community supports rather than relying on apprehensions.
Health-IM has also been adopted across southern Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, Thompson region, East Kootenay, Delta, Nelson and Surrey. Collectively, participating agencies have used the system in more than 10,500 calls involving people in crisis.
The province reports hospital admissions increased by 37 per cent in communities using Health-IM, suggesting more people are receiving timely and appropriate care.
The B.C. government provides $2 million annually to support the provincewide rollout, which is expected to continue through 2026.
Comments