Last fall, BC RCMP Southeast District senior managers met with executive officials of Interior Health Authority (IH) to explore opportunities for both agencies to work together and enhance an overall response to mental health related calls for service.

“As a result of this initial meeting, and ongoing discussions since, we agreed that a working group of representatives from both the BC RCMP Southeast District and Interior Health will be established. The working group will identify existing issues and unique challenges in providing services to individuals in the southern Interior who are experiencing a mental health or a substance abuse crisis; acknowledging that needs of rural communities differ from urban areas,” BC RCMP stated in a media release.

Both organizations agreed the best strategy is to have a collaborative and holistic approach to supporting individuals and addressing issues in the district.

“We agreed to work towards creating a standardized crisis response and a consistent service model for our communities. My team is fully committed to working with Interior Health on finding solutions together,” stated Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli, RCMP Southeast District Commander. “I am encouraged by the fact that the working group will develop a roadmap to guide us on expanding our support and services to our communities, and to those in crisis. This is a priority for all of us.”

The working group will develop guidelines for information sharing and joint crisis response. We are at the early stages of this initiative and will update the community as we develop new programs.

“Interior Health welcomes the opportunity to work closely with our RCMP colleagues to support people in crisis,” said Roger Parsonage, interim vice president, Interior Health. “Together our working group will focus on exploring options to improve crisis response throughout the southern Interior.”

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