January 26, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HealthIM Launches Across South Vancouver Island, Strengthening Police and Health-Care Response to Mental Health Crises
VANCOUVER, BC – HealthIM is now live with municipal police departments across South Vancouver Island, with surrounding RCMP detachments launching in the coming months. HealthIM is an evidence-based digital risk-screening tool that strengthens police response to mental health-related calls and improves coordination with healthcare partners.
The launch includes municipal police departments in Central Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, and Victoria, with RCMP detachments serving West Shore, Outer Gulf Islands, Sooke, and Sidney/North Saanich expected to come online as implementation continues. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital to support timely, appropriate, and compassionate care.
“HealthIM is changing how British Columbia responds to mental health crises,” said Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, President of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police. “The South Island launch marks a critical step toward a province-wide system where police and healthcare operate from the same information in real time. This shared approach strengthens public safety, reduces system strain, and ensures people in crisis are connected to the right care more quickly and consistently across the province.”
HealthIM supports officers during mental health and substance-use related calls by guiding real-time risk screening and enabling the secure sharing of standardized, clinically relevant information with hospital emergency departments. This approach supports informed decision-making, trauma-informed responses, and more efficient transitions to care.
HealthIM has already demonstrated value in communities where it has been operational:
- Since launching in Port Moody in spring 2024, the tool has supported officers in dozens of mental health-related calls.
- Nelson Police Department, which adopted HealthIM in August 2025, has similarly used the system in nearly 100 calls.
- In Prince George, apprehensions dropped by 42 percent within one year of implementation.
- In Delta, hospital wait times were reduced by an average of 20 minutes per call, representing more than 100 hours saved annually.
- Across participating jurisdictions, hospital admission rates increased by 37 percent, indicating individuals were more likely to receive appropriate care.
- Delta Police Department, Surrey Police Service, and Prince George RCMP were earlier adopters and have collectively supported more than 10,500 calls using HealthIM.
The Province of British Columbia provides ongoing funding to support the rollout of HealthIM across all police agencies. The initiative is spearheaded through the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, in close partnership with provincial ministries, police leadership, and health authorities.
“HealthIM has proven to be a valuable asset to help police officers safely and effectively de-escalate complex situations by promoting safer interactions with people in crisis,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Our government will continue to make meaningful investments into mental health and addiction supports so officers are better equipped to respond to these situations. It’s great to see this initiative implemented across Vancouver Island.”
HealthIM reflects BCACP’s ongoing partnership with the Province and a shared commitment to public safety through dignity and informed decision-making, supporting appropriate alternatives to the criminal justice system and strengthening pathways to care for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
For media inquiries:
Leanne MacLeod
Interim Executive Director
BC Association of Chiefs of Police
leanne.macleod@bcacp.ca
About BCACP
The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police is the professional voice of policing leadership in the province, representing senior police leaders dedicated to promoting public safety and effective, equitable policing services for all communities.