June 24, 2021
CALGARY – A partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) that helps individuals in mental health, addiction or psychosocial crisis has expanded its staff and hours of operation.
The Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which pairs police officers with mental health clinicians, now responds to calls 22 hours every day (6 a.m. to 4 a.m.), up from 18 hours (6 a.m. to midnight) previously. The day shift has also doubled its capacity to respond to incoming calls.
“PACT works because of the great partnership that AHS has with CPS and community providers. Working together, our PACT teams make decisions in collaboration with families and the community to provide the best support we can to the individual experiencing addiction and mental health distress,” says Colleen Karran, AHS Director, Calgary Zone Adult South & Geriatric Mental Health.
PACT expansion was made possible by the hiring of an additional six AHS clinicians and six police officers through funding from the new Community Safety Investment Framework, a collaborative effort between CPS, the City of Calgary and community partners. It aims to support Calgarians in crisis due to mental health concerns, addiction or other similar challenges. Funding for the PACT expansion is being allocated from the CPS’ $8-million commitment to address this work. AHS has also directed about $625,000 to support this initiative.
PACT diverts individuals who are in crisis with mental illness and addiction issues from the justice system and hospital emergency departments; assesses and stabilizes individuals in crisis within the community; and connects individuals and families with resources and supports.
More than 5,100 people have been assisted by PACT since the program launched in 2009.
“We know that people experiencing a mental health crisis deserve and need specialized care,” says Staff Sgt. Peter Duchnij of the CPS Restorative Justice Unit. “Since its inception, PACT has made a meaningful difference and we know this increase in their mandate will better serve our community.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
