A peer assisted care team dedicated to mental health and substance use is coming to the Comox Valley soon.
The province says the area is one of three places in B.C. getting the teams. They say they are made up of peers with lived experience and mental health professionals and will serve people 13 years and older.
They add the peer assisted care team will meet people “where they are” and give person-centred care before connecting them to follow-up supports. It is a part of a $10 million announcement from the province in 2022 for the teams, with the goal of freeing up police time and divert people from hospital emergency rooms and the criminal justice system.
They add that between January and May, teams on the North Shore, New Westminster and Victoria provided supports through over 700 calls, and had “minimal” police interaction.
Implementation of the teams has been a priority for Courtenay council, according to acting mayor and CVRD director Wendy Morin.
“Our council has been advocating for support at the provincial level for members of our community who are experiencing distress and needing help, and we are thrilled this incredible program is going to be launching in the Comox Valley,” said Morin.
“The PACT will provide compassionate and informed care on the ground with local expertise and involving those with lived experience.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association is leading a community-activation process this summer. The province, meanwhile, will be deciding on the last four communities to receive the teams.
According to provincial statistics, one in five interactions with police involve someone with a mental-health disorder.
