Kelowna RCMP and Interior Health are assuring the community that they are working together to address the needs of vulnerable people.
The Police and Crisis Team (PACT) provides access to healthcare professionals and services for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Two specially-trained officers work rotating shifts with a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Kelowna.
害羞草研究所淲hen we are working with a client who is experiencing a mental health crisis, I害羞草研究所檓 able to focus on listening to the client, observing their behaviour, and conducting an assessment,害羞草研究所 said Kristina a nurse in Kelowna. 害羞草研究所淭he officers I work with ensure the environment around us is safe so we can focus on the task at hand and determine what the next steps should be.害羞草研究所
Police responding to PACT calls do not wear a uniform and the team drives an unmarked police vehicle.
Cst. Dopson, a member of PACT explained, the team works in many ways from finding social services or a bed at a shelter for someone, which becomes a daily routine.
害羞草研究所淢any of our regular clients have complex needs, and although it害羞草研究所檚 not a solution, ensuring they have access to support and somewhere warm to sleep can make a difference in their day,害羞草研究所 said Cst. Dopson.
The multidisciplinary team provides access to immediate crisis support on an emergency basis, helping people suffering from thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and psychotic episodes.
Visit or for information about local mental health and substance use services.
To be connected to the Mental Health and Substance Use Centre call 310-MHSU.
The Interior Health Crisis Line is 1-888-353-2273 for immediate assistance. Trained responders provide emotional support, crisis de-escalation and intervention 24/7 through phone, chat and text. The crisis line is for individuals who require mental health support when there is no risk of immediate harm or danger.
The Kelowna RCMP encourages individuals to use the Interior Health Crisis Line when applicable and to reserve 911 for police, fire and medical emergencies when immediate action is required.
Other helpful links and phone lines include:
害羞草研究所ental Health & Substance Use Centre: 310-MHSU (6478)
害羞草研究所nterior Crisis Line: 1-888-353-2273
害羞草研究所UU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
害羞草研究所uicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
害羞草研究所nterior Health Community Response Team: 250-212-8533
害羞草研究所ids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
害羞草研究所ndigenous Help: 1-855-554-4325
害羞草研究所ext: 686868
害羞草研究所lack Youth Helpline: 833-294-8650
害羞草研究所ope for Wellness Line: 1-855-242-3310
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Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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