By Connor Gunn

DIGITAL PLATFORM

New tool in Alberta aims to improve police interactions for mental health emergencies

May 7, 2021 | 12:19 PM

The province is giving more than $789,000 to improve police interactions when responding to mental health emergencies.

The implementation of this digital platform (HealthIM) will provide police officers with the onsite tools and information they need to improve safety for all involved.

From the government’s release, the HealthIM system includes:

• Pre-response safety briefing that includes de-escalation techniques and access to any previously known police information about the person in crisis.
• Mental health risk screener that helps officers determine whether transportation under the Mental Health Act to a designated health facility is warranted or if community-based services are more appropriate.
• Inter-agency communication that supports information sharing with health facilities and community-based services, which expedites the transfer of care.
• Reporting and analytics to assist with evidence-based decision-making.

“During a mental health emergency, police intervention can be a difficult experience for both the individual and the law enforcement officers involved,” says Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“Funding to implement the HealthIM system in Alberta will support the health and well-being of Albertans while interacting with police as well as equipping our first responders with the tools they need to perform recovery-oriented interventions.”

The province says the HealthIM program uses a Brief Mental Health Screener (BMHS) for the risk assessment component of the system.

Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have been using this system within their police services already.

“Data from other jurisdictions, such as Manitoba, demonstrates the HealthIM system contributes to significant reductions in involuntary arrests and police resources, as well as increases in overall savings – all while ensuring people in crisis get the appropriate help they need,” the release reads.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) will be the first police service in Alberta to fully implement the program, with this grant covering the coordination of a provincial rollout of the platform.

For more information on HealthIM, go here.

(Lethbridge News Now)