Official web site of The City of Calgary

What we are doing

Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy is in the process of developing a visual map of services and supports along with an interactive dashboard to better understand how available mental health and addiction supports and services are used and experienced by Calgarians.

Find out about ways you could get involved.

Transforming Calgary’s Crisis Response System

Since 2018, a lot of discussion about the intersection of crisis response, mental health and addictions, public safety, and systemic racism has happened. Part of the response to these conversations was the creation the Community Safety Investment Framework.

To improve crisis response in Calgary we needed to understand the current state. Using the Council approved Community Safety Investment Framework Terms of Reference, funds were allocated to The Centre for Suicide Prevention and Policy Wise for Children and Families to complete this work.  

The completed report, Transforming Calgary’s Crisis Response System: Final Report  included best practice research, an analysis of crisis response in Calgary and stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities that could strengthen the current crisis response system, address gaps and improve quality of care. The recommendations will be considered based on sector consensus, community need, budget, and timing.

System improvements

Accountable Entity

Establish an accountable entity to oversee and monitor the crisis response system. This entity is dedicated to: coordinating services, establishing partnerships, overseeing system navigation, and collaborating on funding decisions.

Community-driven System Responsiveness

The crisis response system is community-driven. Ongoing community engagement informs the development, design, and implementation of crisis response.

Values-based System

The core values identified by Calgary service providers guide the design and operation of every aspect of the crisis response system.

Operational Improvements

Accessibility

Ensure the system provides diverse, barrier-free service options rooted in community needs.

Peer Support

Create a mechanism to incorporate lived experience through peer support into the crisis response system.

Cultural Representation

Ensure cultural representation of Calgary’s population in crisis response.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care and client-centered care is woven into all levels of strategy, practice, and policy in the crisis response system.

Training

Crisis response training is ongoing and requires both theory and practice with immersive and applied approaches.

Transportation

Transportation-related solutions and strategies are explored to address safe and reliable care of individuals in crisis.

Client Information Sharing

Increased understanding of information sharing protocols is attained to facilitate better coordination and care of individuals in crisis.

Download the full Calgary’s Crisis Response System recommendations.

More information on work being implemented based on these recommendations will be provided through Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy and Action Plan Implementation Update in Fall of 2022.

Developing a systems map and dashboard

Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy is developing a visual map of services and supports along with an interactive dashboard to better understand how available mental health and addiction supports and services are used and experienced by Calgarians.

We are conducting confidential interviews and surveys with Calgarians who access mental health and addiction services and supports in Calgary.

The information gathered will help to identify where changes or additional supports are needed and the pathways and barriers that Calgarians experience moving through these systems. It is funded by a collaborative Community Investment Table.

The research study has been reviewed by Veritas Independent Review Board (IRB). If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant or the Investigator’s responsibilities, you may contact the Manager of Veritas Interview Review Board 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 514-337-0442 or toll-free at 1-866-384-4221. 

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