Community-led crisis teams connect more residents to mental-health supports

Provincial data shows that people are increasingly reaching out directly for help. More than half — 56.9 per cent — of calls come from individuals themselves, while the remaining calls are made by family members, friends or others seeking help on someone’s behalf.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said the approach is rooted in empathy and connection.

“When a person is in crisis, being met with understanding and compassion can change everything,” Osborne said. “This service is an extraordinary example of how leading with empathy can foster meaningful connections to supports.”

CRCL teams provide a range of services beyond immediate crisis response. These include de-escalation support, connecting people to mental-health and addictions services, helping navigate the health system, and addressing basic needs such as food, water, clothing or first aid.

In a northern city like Prince George, where residents can face barriers accessing care, the mobile and community-based nature of the service is seen as particularly important.

The report also highlights how often emergency responders are not needed. Dispatchers handled 98 per cent of calls without involving police, fire or ambulance services, and mobile teams requested emergency backup in fewer than one per cent of in-person responses.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said that approach not only benefits people in crisis but also allows police to focus on other priorities.

“CRCL is helping connect people to care when they need it most, while freeing up police and emergency responders to focus on other calls,” Krieger said.

According to Jonny Morris, CEO of CMHA B.C., the numbers show the model is working.

“Meeting someone experiencing a crisis with care and understanding can be not only life-changing, but lifesaving,” Morris said. “Our evaluation shows this is an effective response, with minimal reliance on emergency services.”

The program also emphasizes culturally safe, trauma-informed care — something organizers say is critical in diverse communities, including northern B.C. regions.

The expansion of CRCL is part of a broader provincial effort to improve mental-health and substance-use services. The government says that includes thousands of publicly funded treatment beds, youth-focused Foundry centres, and new supports for people accessing opioid treatment.

For those who have used the service, the impact can be immediate and personal.

One client described repeated calls during a difficult period, each met with patience and support.

“Every single time I was met with compassion and validation,” the user said. “I never felt rushed. It reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Community-led crisis teams connect more residents to mental-health supports

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