Prince Edward Island has already seen a “10 percent reduction in mental health and addictions-related admissions” since the Mobile Mental Health Intervention Teams program was launched last October, Darlene Compton, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, told the Legislature during her 2022-23 budget presentation. “They answered more than 1,300 calls from Islanders and visited nearly 200 people at home to provide on-site care," she added.

Integrated Team Improves Access to Care

The program brings together members of the integrated team from Health PEI, police services and Island EMS to improve access to mental health services, while ensuring public safety. Islanders of all ages experiencing a mental health crisis can call the Mental Health and Addictions Access Line at 1-833-553-6983 for support. The call will be answered by a mental health professional (registered nurse or social worker), who will then quickly assess the situation and refer the patient to appropriate care by qualified specialists based on their needs.

“A single call provides comprehensive and versatile services to people facing a mental health crisis and directs them to all the services they need to improve their mental well-being," said Ernie Hudson, Minister of Health and Wellness, in an interview with La Voix Acadienne.

Medavie Health Services Partners with Department

The service is coordinated by the Department of Health and Wellness and managed by Medavie Health Services, the parent company of Island EMS and Medacom Atlantic.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of our new mobile mental health service that is providing Islanders with 24/7 access to mental health support,” said Matthew Crossman, Vice President of Operations at Medavie Health Services. “Our integrated healthcare team is amazing ― they care about the health and wellbeing of our community and work hard to deliver care to those in need every day.”

Support for the Mobile Mental Health Intervention Service is provided through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Funding Agreement on Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services.