The new PACT team will be operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.
mental health

Mental health crisis team launches in Prince George

Aug 2, 2024 | 1:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — People experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis in Prince George will soon have access to a new community-led Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) to help them stabilize and find the support they need.

“PACT provides immediate, compassionate help from those who have walked a similar path,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “In Prince George, people in crisis will benefit from the support of skilled professionals and a person with lived experience who understands what they are going through. This approach ensures a more effective, sympathetic response that can make all the difference in a person’s recovery.”

This PACT is operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) with oversight and support from the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC).

PACTs serve residents 13 and older experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, well-being checks and distressing behaviours requiring de-escalation and support. Each responding team is made up of two members: one with lived experience and one with mental-health expertise, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate response.

The team began offering services on July 28, 2024. During this initial phase, PACT services will be available to select organizations and groups to refine and improve processes. By September, all Prince George residents will be able to access PACT services through a dedicated public phone number. This phased approach allows for the team to get comfortable and confident in their roles before the service moves to the full availability of 10 hours a day.

“We are thrilled that people living in Prince George will soon be able to access additional mental-health and substance-use support through the Prince George PACT team,” said Simon Yu, mayor of Prince George. “This crisis-response service will help support efforts to address mental-health and addiction issues while allowing police to focus more resources on crime. We are thankful to the Province and the Canadian Mental Health Association, and we look forward to seeing this service benefits residents of Prince George.”

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com