New tool to improve police response to mental health calls coming to Alberta
EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is implementing a new system that will help police services across the province treat mental health and addiction as health care issues.
HealthIM is a new system that equips police officers with information to better assess the needs of a person experiencing a mental health emergency when responding to calls for service.
The tool is designed to assist in getting people the recovery-oriented help they need while increasing community safety.
Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, says the tool will improve outcomes for those in crisis. Ellis believes police must be an integral part of the recovery-oriented system of care.