HealthIM Launches in Southeast District, Boosting Mental Health Response

A new initiative to enhance mental health crisis response in British Columbia commenced on February 25, 2024, with the rollout of HealthIM across the Southeast District. This collaboration between RCMP detachments in Golden, Columbia Valley, Elk Valley Regional, Creston, Kimberley, and Cranbrook, and Interior Health aims to improve real-time risk assessment and coordination with emergency departments.

HealthIM is an evidence-based digital risk assessment tool designed to assist frontline officers during mental health and substance-use related incidents. This system enables the secure sharing of standardized, clinically relevant information with emergency departments, thereby enhancing continuity of care and facilitating informed decision-making.

The implementation of HealthIM in the Kootenays is a significant step towards improving access to care for individuals in crisis. This marks the first coordinated rollout of the system across the Southeast District, reflecting a collaborative approach between law enforcement and healthcare partners.

Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher, the BC RCMP Southeast District Commander, expressed optimism about the initiative. “Rolling out HealthIM across the Southeast District is a practical step forward in how we support people in crisis. For our smaller detachments where members often juggle limited resources and large response areas, this tool helps give clearer information up front, improves member safety, and ensures we share consistent details with our healthcare partners,” she stated.

Sylvia Weir, president and CEO of Interior Health, highlighted the program’s potential to enhance patient-centered care. “The launch of HealthIM in communities in the Kootenay region represents a positive step forward for enhancing patient-centered care during mental health crises. It supports our staff in delivering safe, appropriate care to individuals in crisis while strengthening our partnership with the RCMP,” she noted.

The introduction of HealthIM is part of British Columbia’s broader commitment to a coordinated and compassionate approach to mental health crisis intervention. Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, underscored the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, “HealthIM continues to strengthen how police safely respond to people in crisis across British Columbia.”

Similarly, Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, remarked on the initiative’s focus on ensuring individuals experiencing a mental health emergency receive timely and compassionate care. By implementing a structured screening process, HealthIM aims to improve situational awareness, reduce duplication in hospital settings, and support trauma-informed engagement between police and healthcare professionals.

The Southeast District rollout builds on positive outcomes from other jurisdictions in British Columbia. For instance, in Prince George, apprehensions decreased by 42 percent within one year of HealthIM’s implementation. In Delta, hospital wait times were reduced by an average of 20 minutes per call, saving more than 100 hours annually. Furthermore, participating jurisdictions reported a 37 percent increase in hospital admission rates, indicating that individuals were more likely to receive timely care.

Early adopters of HealthIM, including the Delta Police Department, Surrey Police Service, and Prince George RCMP, have collectively handled over 10,500 calls using the system. This initiative is led by the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) in partnership with provincial ministries, health authorities, and frontline agencies throughout British Columbia.

Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, President of BCACP, expressed pride in leading this initiative. “The progress in the Southeast District reflects the strength of our partnership with Interior Health and the commitment of local leaders in the Kootenays. Together, we are advancing practical solutions that support community safety and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis,” he stated.

As HealthIM continues to expand, the focus remains on enhancing public safety through informed decision-making and ensuring individuals in crisis are connected to appropriate care as efficiently and compassionately as possible. This initiative signifies a meaningful advancement in the mental health crisis response framework across British Columbia.