B.C. expands mental health screening tool for police to two new regions

British Columbia is expanding its mental health screening tool for police to two more regions. Starting Wednesday, officers in Thompson and Shuswap will use HealthIM to assess people in crisis. The province has already invested £2 million annually to support its wider rollout.

HealthIM guides officers through a structured set of questions when responding to mental health or substance abuse calls. The tool helps decide whether someone needs hospital care or can be directed to community services. It also flags violent behaviour and improves how information is shared with healthcare workers.

The system is already in use across southern Vancouver Island, Prince George, and several other B.C. communities. RCMP Supt. Michelle Tansey praised the expansion, saying it allows officers to respond with greater compassion in real time. The move is part of a broader effort to improve police handling of mental health crises. Beyond British Columbia, HealthIM is operational in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. The province’s funding ensures its availability in all municipal police departments and RCMP detachments across B.C.

The expansion brings HealthIM to more officers, aiming to streamline crisis responses. With clearer assessments and better communication, police can now connect individuals to the right support faster. The tool’s wider adoption reflects a growing focus on mental health interventions in policing.