Manitoba invests $310,000 in instant messaging pilot project to improve responses to mental health crisis situations

A tool called HealthIM will soon be used by officers across nine police agencies to respond to calls involving someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The tool’s being put into place through a $310,000 investment by the province through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. It’s used to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and help officers best determine their next course of action. The risk-assessment tool will be put into patrol cars and on other mobile devices. HealthIM receivers will also be installed in local emergency rooms, nursing stations and community mental health agencies to support secure information sharing. HealthIM is an Ontario-based company.