People experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis in Prince George will soon have access to a new community-led Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) to help them stabilize and find the support they need, the province has announced.
The mobile crisis teams are trained to de-escalate crisis situations and provide support. Team members include people who have experienced crises of their own.
"PACT provides immediate, compassionate help from those who have walked a similar path," said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions, in a release. "In Prince George, people in crisis will benefit from the support of skilled professionals and a person with lived experience who understands what they are going through. This approach ensures a more effective, sympathetic response that can make all the difference in a person's recovery."
PACTs are mobile, community-led crisis teams that are trained to de-escalate mental-health crisis situations and provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support.
They also help free up police time and divert people from hospital emergency rooms, the ministry notes.
The Prince George PACT is operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) with oversight and support from the Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division (CMHA B.C.).
Team members have been hired and training is complete.
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to work in my community who has given so much to me," said PACT member Gillian Johnston. "To me, being a member of PACT means walking alongside someone in their dark and difficult moments, seeking to better understand and hold space for the people in our community. We journey with people who are in a moment of crisis without judgment or pride because we too have been in crisis and have seen the power and validation that comes of being truly seen and heard."
PACTs serve people 13 and older experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, well-being checks and distressing behaviours requiring de-escalation and support.
Each team is made up of two members. One has lived experience and one has mental-health expertise.
The team will begin offering services on Sunday, July 28. During this initial phase, PACT services will be available to select organizations and groups to refine and improve processes.
By September, all Prince George residents will be able to access PACT services through a dedicated public phone number.
The phased approach allows for the team to get comfortable and confident in their roles before the service moves to the full availability of 10 hours a day.
"We are excited to see another team launching adding to the existing three in other communities in B.C.," said Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA B.C. "These existing teams have shown incredible impact and we are certain that this new team will do the same, enhancing mental-health supports and ultimately saving lives in Prince George."
In addition to the Prince George team, there are three PACTs in operation in Victoria, North Vancouver and West Vancouver, and New Westminster, and two more teams in development in Kamloops and Comox. In 2023, New Westminster and Victoria PACTs responded to more than 1,500 calls for help.
"We are thrilled that people living in Prince George will soon be able to access additional mental-health and substance-use support through the Prince George PACT team," said Mayor Simon Yu. "This crisis-response service will help support efforts to address mental-health and addiction issues while allowing police to focus more resources on crime. We are thankful to the Province and the Canadian Mental Health Association, and we look forward to seeing this service benefits residents of Prince George."
