ABBOTSFORD – New Democrat MLAs say that people in a mental health or substance use crisis will have the support of mental health experts as a new Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Team (MICR) launches in Abbotsford.

“During a mental health crisis, people deserve to be met with understanding and appropriate care,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “MICR Teams will help ensure that people in crisis receive support and connections to other services that can help them recover and thrive.”

MICR Teams, formerly known as Car programs, pair a police officer with a health-care professional to respond to mental health calls made to the police. The teams provide on-site mental health assessments and crisis intervention and can refer individuals to appropriate services in the community.

Built on partnerships between municipal police departments or local RCMP detachments and the regional health authorities, these teams help free up police resources to focus on crime.

The provincial government has committed $3 million to help fund the implementation of nine new teams across B.C. With communities now selected, health authorities and local police will begin planning together to recruit staff and put services in place as quickly as possible.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/29212