A digital public safety tool designed to help police respond to mental health crises is now being used across several RCMP detachments in southeastern British Columbia.
HealthIM has been launched in Cranbrook, Columbia Valley, Creston, Elk Valley Regional, Kimberley and Golden. The system guides officers through a structured risk-screening assessment when responding to mental health and addiction-related calls.
Officials say the tool helps officers better understand the circumstances behind a person’s behaviour and respond more safely and compassionately.
“When someone is experiencing a mental-health crisis, they can feel very vulnerable and unsafe. People need to be met with compassion and understanding for what they are going through,” said Minister of Health, Josie Osborne.
The digital platform allows officers to assess risks, identify possible weapons or violent behaviour and use trauma-informed approaches during calls.
Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general, said the tool is effective in helping keep first responders and people in crisis safer.
“HealthIM has proven to be a valuable asset to help police officers safely and effectively de-escalate complex situations by promoting safer interactions with people in crisis. Our government will continue to make meaningful investments to support law enforcement in responding to a mental-health or substance-use emergency.” said Krieger.
Osborne added the tool also alerts hospitals when someone in crisis is being brought in and helps ensure they receive the right care, faster.
“HealthIM is an innovative and collaborative approach that helps police officers work with health-care professionals quickly to make informed assessments that calm serious situations and improve outcomes for people in need. This ensures individuals experiencing a mental health emergency receive timely and compassionate care,” said Osborne.
The program is a partnership between the RCMP, Interior Health and the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police. The province provides about $2 million in annual funding to support the rollout across B.C.
The system was introduced in the RCMP Southeast District on Feb. 25, 2026.
Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central, said the initiative will help officers respond more effectively to crisis calls.
“Implementing HealthIM within the Southeast District police departments continues to build on ongoing efforts to strengthen police response to people in crisis. As policing becomes more complex, HealthIM is a critical tool in ensuring that people are getting access to the right support exactly when they need it. I look forward to seeing how this initiative will support officer response in Creston.” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central.
Results from other communities show positive impacts, including a 42 per cent drop in apprehensions in Prince George within a year and hospital wait times reduced by about 20 minutes per call in Delta. Hospital admissions also increased by 37 per cent, meaning more people receive appropriate care.
“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 health-care partners so everyone is working from the same picture.” said, Chief Superintendent and Southeast District Commander of BC RCMP, Shawna Baher.
Overall, the HealthIM expansion to the Southeast District aims to improve crisis response, strengthen co-operation between police and health care, reduce strain on hospitals and ensure people in crisis receive compassionate and timely support.
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