A new phase in British Columbia’s approach to mental health crisis response began on February 25 in the Southeast District, as RCMP detachments in Golden, Columbia Valley, Elk Valley Regional, Creston, Kimberley, and Cranbrook adopted HealthIM in collaboration with Interior Health (IH). The system enhances real-time risk assessment and strengthens coordination with Interior Health emergency departments.
HealthIM is an evidence-based digital risk assessment tool that supports frontline officers in real time during mental health and substance-use related calls. The system enables standardized, clinically relevant information to be securely shared with emergency departments, strengthening continuity of care and supporting more informed decision-making.
This regional rollout is designed to improve timely access to care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The expansion into the Kootenays marks the first coordinated RCMP implementation across the Southeast District and reflects an integrated approach between police and healthcare partners in the region.
“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 helps us share more consistent details with our healthcare partners so everyone is working from the same picture,” said Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher, BC RCMP Southeast District Commander.
The expansion of HealthIM represents a significant milestone in British Columbia’s commitment to advancing a coordinated, responsive, and compassionate approach to mental health crisis intervention across the province.
“HealthIM continues to strengthen how police safely respond to people in crisis across British Columbia,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“This collaborative approach ensures individuals experiencing a mental health emergency receive timely and compassionate care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
Through a structured screening process, HealthIM improves situational awareness, reduces duplication in hospital settings, and supports trauma-informed engagement. By establishing
shared clinical language between police and healthcare professionals, the system enhances safety for responders and patients while improving the efficiency of emergency department transitions.
“The launch of HealthIM in communities in the Kootenay region represents a positive step forward for enhancing patient-centred care during mental health crises,” said Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, IH. “It supports our staff in delivering safe, appropriate care to individuals in crisis while strengthening our partnership with the RCMP, improving communication and improving emergency department readiness. We look forward to the successful launch of this program in other areas of our health region in the next few months.”
The Southeast District launch builds on demonstrated outcomes across other jurisdictions in British Columbia:
- In Prince George, apprehensions decreased by 42 percent within one year of implementation.
- In Delta, hospital wait times were reduced by an average of 20 minutes per call, representing more than 100 hours saved annually.
- Across participating jurisdictions, hospital admission rates increased by 37 percent, indicating individuals were more likely to receive appropriate and timely care.
- Early adopters including Delta Police Department, Surrey Police Service, and Prince George RCMP have collectively supported more than 10,500 calls using HealthIM.
The 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.
“The BC Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to lead this work on behalf of police leaders across British Columbia,” said Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, President of BCACP. “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.”
As HealthIM continues to expand, the focus remains on strengthening public safety through informed decision-making, reducing system strain, and ensuring individuals in crisis are connected to appropriate care as efficiently and compassionately as possible.
Media Contacts
BC RCMP
Corporal Brett Urano
Division Media Relations Officer
BC RCMP Communication Services
brett.urano@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
778-290-4006
BC Association of Chiefs of Police
Leanne MacLeod
Interim Executive Director
leanne.macleod@bcacp.ca
604-773-4166
About BCACP
The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police is the professional voice of policing leadership in the province, representing senior police leaders dedicated to promoting public safety and effective, equitable policing services for all communities.
Read original release on BC Association of Chiefs of Police website
