In a first-of-its kind initiative in Calgary, The Alex will deliver the 12-month Community Mobile Crisis Response pilot program in District 4 in east Calgary. The pilot focuses on a person-centered, trauma-informed, equity-based approach to crisis response for those experiencing a non-emergency behavioral or mental health crisis and substance use disorders where there is no threat to safety.
“It takes a community to support a community and often a community-based solution is the best response,” said Joy Bowen-Eyre, CEO of The Alex “The Alex is excited to partner in the Community Mobile Crisis Response pilot program. This collaborative approach ensures Calgarians will have access to rapid, mobile and judgment-free crisis support during times when they need it the most. Working together with other sector partners and providers enables The Alex to connect resources, services and care to individuals and their families through follow up case management and wrap-around support.”
The need for a Community Mobile Crisis Response pilot program comes from a research report conducted to assess Calgary’s current crisis response system. One of the identified gaps was peer support, and the need to incorporate a diverse, multidisciplinary approach to provide immediate resources to the individual experiencing the crisis, their families, and friends.
“The city is facing complex problems that can only be solved when we all work together. Over the past year, we’ve convened a wide range of partners who have worked diligently to create the Community Mobile Crisis Response pilot” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek, “This is a best practice model where teams comprised of health, social and justice workers respond to Calgarians experiencing their darkest times. These teams will ensure that people in crisis, and the community members affected by the situation, receive the right support, by the right providers, at the right time. I am confident that this pilot will have a positive impact on our city, and I want to thank everyone involved for working together in new ways.”
The Community Mobile Crisis Response pilot program contributes to one of The City of Calgary’s and the Calgary Police Service’s Community Safety Investment Framework outcomes – to transform Calgary’s approach to supporting Calgarians experiencing crisis. Through the Framework, we have allocated $2.5 million to deliver this pilot.
“The more we continue to come together across systems, the more we can continue to ease the burden of those in crisis who are having to navigate the system,” said Calgary Police Service (CPS) Chief Constable Mark Neufeld. “Our collaborative approach continues to help us find a better, and more appropriate, way to respond to the needs of Calgarians in crisis. Our commitment to working with partners to help Calgarians now and in the future is integral to community safety for all of us.”
visit calgary.ca for more information about Calgary’s response to mental health and addiction and the Community Safety Investment Framework.
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