B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne speaking in Kamloops on July 21, 2025. (Image Credit: Michael Reeve/CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

Mental Health Supports

New mobile, community-led crisis support program launches in Kamloops

Jul 21, 2025 | 2:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne is in Kamloops Monday (July 21) to announce the formal launch of the CRCL (pronounced “circle”) program in the city.

Formerly called ‘Peer Assisted Care Teams,’ CRCL is a mobile, community-led crisis service for people over the age of 13 who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

In a news release, the province says the CRCL team helps de-escalate these situations and ensures and plans for the immediate safety of the people in crisis. It also connects them to services to support their longer-term needs.

It noted that the service also helps free up policing resources and that it also reduces “unnecessary demand” on hospital emergency departments.

“When someone is in crisis, being met with understanding and compassion can change everything,” Osborne said in a statement. “This service in Kamloops brings together healthcare professionals and people with lived experience to offer support that is timely and empathetic, and it’s making a meaningful difference.”

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The Kamloops CRCL program is a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC) and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. The team — which consists of mental-health professionals and people with lived experience — is available from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays

“The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society has a mission statement that, in part, provides culturally and inclusive programs and services,” Cal Albright, executive director of the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, added.

“We are honoured to provide a much-needed mental health crisis program to all people of Kamloops. We know the stress of daily living, whether you’re homeless or a university student, and are available to assist everyone in their crisis.”

According to the province, around 50 people have been supported by the program in Kamloops since a soft launch in February.

“CRCL humanizes mental health by meeting people first as human beings and not just as cases in crisis,” added Amanda McGillvray, a CRCL Kamloops worker. “I’ve had the privilege of supporting people in some of their most vulnerable moments, and those moments of trust, respect and simple kindness have stayed with me.”

“CRCL reminds us that dignity, empathy and safety should be at the heart of every crisis response, and no one should have to navigate that experience alone.”

There are five other CRCLs in operation in B.C. with teams also located in Victoria, North and West Vancouver, New Westminster, Prince George and the Comox Valley.

“Launching the CRCL service in another community is a crucial advancement in building a comprehensive crisis support network across B.C,” said CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris in a statement. “We commend the province for recognizing the critical need for community crisis response in our communities.”

“These highly skilled crisis response teams have proven their ability to change and save lives across B.C., and we’re confident Kamloops will experience these same vital benefits.”