Red Deer, Alberta – As Sept. 10th approaches, Red Deer RCMP would like to take time to recognize the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Suicide and mental health are difficult topics to discuss and often carry stigma and shame. Far too often these 2 things act as barriers and prevent people from getting the help they need and deserve.
Many individuals struggle with mental health on a daily basis. Asking for help or listening to a friend or family member can be difficult when we don’t know what to say or where to turn.
Red Deer RCMP would like to reach out to our community and fellow citizens to let them know they are not alone. As police officers we acknowledge suicide exists. Members receive training which prepares officers responding to calls for service when dealing with suicide ideations and suicidality.
In Red Deer we are fortunate to have two Police and Crisis Teams (PACT) that are specially trained in suicide and mental health. PACT is a collaborative partnership between Red Deer Primary Care Network (PCN) and Red Deer RCMP. Our PACT teams consist of a police officer paired with a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN).
For the last 12 years, PACT has been responding to mental health crisis calls providing initial intervention in Red Deer. Our PACT teams are well versed in dealing with suicide and mental health, and are often called upon for their experience alongside other police officers.
Our PACT team is an integral part of an innovative police response in our community.
We are proud to have RPN Michelle, Constable Floroiu, Constable Kokkola, and RPN John providing mental health response in our community.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicide, contact the Alberta Mental Health Help line, 24-hour service, 1-877-303-2642.
Red Deer RCMP
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