TISDALE — Over a two week period, the Tisdale RCMP responded to eight calls under the Mental Health Services Act.
 “We’re seeing an increase in mental health requests in services,” Cpl. Mike Benjamin. “It’s when somebody is concerned for somebody’s safety, and they’ve called the police in to assess them. Which requires, usually, a transport to the hospital for further assessment.”
As per the act, when a police officer believes an individual has a mental disorder which will probably make them harm themselves or others, or make the illness get worse if they are not treated, the officer is required to transport them to the hospital for further assessment.
Benjamin said none of the month’s Mental Health Services Act calls had any escalation.
“Mental health is an issue in the area. Why there’s an increase? I don’t know.”
In that two week period from April 1 to 14, the Tisdale RCMP responded to 76 calls for service including five collisions, the eight Mental Health Services Act, three missing persons reported who were later found, and charges under the Traffic Safety Act.
For people who are feeling stressed about the lockdown, people can set up an appointment with the North East Outreach and Support Services’ rapid access counselor on their 24 hour line by calling 1-800-611-6349, or call the provincial HealthLine at 811 for professional health or mental health and addictions advice, education and support.
