A new joint initiative between Island Health and the Comox Valley RCMP is changing how mental health crises are handled in the community.

The Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Unit, was launched in the fall of 2025 and pairs a police officer with a registered psychiatric nurse in a single first-responder vehicle. The goal is to address mental health concerns earlier and more effectively, directly at the street level.

For the past three months, Constable Greg Hall and Island Health psychiatric nurse Tara Wyton have been working full shifts together, responding to calls involving people experiencing mental health crises or in need of mental health support.

Comox RCMP Inspector Scott Mercer says the program was designed as a non-traditional response to a steady increase in calls for service.

He says police are not best suited to be the primary responders on many mental health calls, and the MICR model brings health solutions into situations sooner, where they can make the greatest difference.

The team combines law enforcement and clinical expertise, making joint decisions and assessments in real time.

Both members are clearly identified, with visible markings such as “Police” or “Nurse,” and are equipped for frontline safety.

MICR responses can include phone and outreach assessments, on-scene support for RCMP officers, mental health apprehensions under the Mental Health Act, support for individuals arriving at hospital, and referrals to community and health services.

The unit also works closely with existing mental health programs in the Comox Valley.

Similar programs operate across Vancouver Island and on the mainland, with the first integrated response model dating back to 1978 in Vancouver.

Early results in the Comox Valley have been positive. Since its introduction in September 2025, preliminary data supports MICR as an effective frontline resource, bringing crisis nursing services directly into the community in a safe and respectful way.

The program is currently a one-year pilot. Resources have been temporarily reassigned from other Island Health and RCMP operations to make it work.

Inspector Mercer says despite its early success, the future of MICR depends on securing long-term funding.

MICR services are available four days a week.

For more information, visit B.C. RCMP.

For non-emergency assistance, people can contact RCMP North Island Dispatch Centre at 250-338-1321. In an emergency, call 911.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can also contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3388, which can connect callers with the Comox Valley Hospital Crisis Nursing Team and the MICR unit.