By James Peters

Mental Health Supports

Aboriginal Friendship Society to lead Kamloops mental health crisis response team

Feb 11, 2024 | 11:21 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Canadian Mental Health Association B.C. (CMHA BC) says the organizations that will lead mental health crisis response teams in three B.C. communities — including Kamloops — have been chosen.

The Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT), funded by the province, were announced in July.

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society will lead the local team in partnership with ASK Wellness Society.

According to a CMHA BC news release, each community’s organizing agencies were chosen “for their community presence and expertise, person-centered and trauma-informed approach, commitment to lived experience to inform this work, and alignment with PACT’s core values of compassion, trust, and self-determination to mental health crisis care.”

“Peer Assisted Care Teams represent another step closer to supporting the mental health and well-being of community members in Kamloops,” said Kamloops councillor Dale Bass. “We at city hall hear about the gaps in our community and have learned how PACT can play a vital role in supporting us to bridge these gaps in service. PACT should be in every community in B.C.”

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Proponents were also announced for Prince George and the Comox Valley.

The lead agencies will now begin community engagement, recruitment and training of PACT members.

It’s expected the teams will be ready to roll out in late spring or early summer of 2024.