Transforming Crisis Response: The Power of Peer Assisted Care Teams
We really do want to make sure that we're sending a health and social response as much as possible to health and social emergencies, and the research across jurisdictions really does show that these teams have really good results around de-escalating and getting people connected to the right kind of care.
Imagine facing a mental health crisis and finding a team that truly understands what you're going through. That's the innovative approach behind Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT), introduced by the Canadian Mental Health Association in British Columbia. These teams consist of a mental health professional paired with a peer who has lived experience with mental health or substance challenges. Together, they provide a compassionate, community-based response to emergencies.
In this episode of People First Radio, host VIMHS chats with Johnny Morris about the unique composition and training of PACT teams, their impressive track record in de-escalating crises, and their plans for future expansion. The conversation sheds light on how PACT's follow-up care ensures individuals get connected to the right resources after an intervention.
If you're curious about how a blend of professional expertise and personal experience is changing the landscape of emergency mental health care, this episode is a must-listen.