News release
Kelowna RCMP and CMHA Kelowna & District encourage residents to call CRCL for mental health crisis response
August 26, 2026
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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CRCL first, RCMP for emergencies
The Kelowna RCMP and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna & District (CMHA Kelowna & District) are encouraging residents to access the Crisis Response Community-Led (CRCL) program as the first point of contact for non-emergency mental health crises, while continuing to call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
"Many people experiencing a mental health crisis do not require a police response," said Inspector Laura Pollock, Kelowna RCMP. "CRCL responders are highly trained professionals who can help de-escalate situations, provide support, and connect people to the services they need. Our relationship with CRCL allows us to work together to ensure community members receive the most appropriate care.”
Operated by CMHA Kelowna & District, CRCL (pronounced ‘circle’) provides compassionate, community-based response for individuals aged 13 and older experiencing a mental health crisis in Kelowna. Specially trained responders assess situations, provide timely emotional support, connect individuals with appropriate services, and help reduce the need for emergency interventions when it is safe to do so.
The collaboration between Kelowna RCMP and CRCL helps ensure that people receive the right response at the right time. By combining community-based mental health expertise with public safety resources, the collaboration helps improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary police involvement when a law enforcement response is not required.
“Every mental health crisis is different, which is why having the right response matters,’’ said Giles Ringer, Manager of CRCL at CMHA Kelowna & District. “CRCL was created to respond to people experiencing mental health crisis with specialized crisis intervention, practical support, and connections to ongoing care. With CRCL offering specialized support to those who need it, the RCMP can focus more on public safety.”
People can access this service by calling or texting 778-940-2560 from 11:00 am to 08:30 pm every day of the week. Calls can also be made on behalf of someone else needing support.
When should you call CRCL?
CRCL may be the appropriate first call when an individual is:
- Experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
- Displaying concerning or agitated behaviour.
- Expressing suicidal thoughts without an immediate plan or means.
- Engaging in low-risk self-harming behaviours.
- Experiencing a mental health crisis related to substance use.
- In need of crisis intervention, support, or connection to services rather than law enforcement.
When someone calls or texts CRCL, a trained dispatcher assesses the situation and determines the most appropriate response. Depending on the person’s needs, CRCL may:
- Dispatch a two-person mobile response team to provide in-person support in the Kelowna community.
- Assist with safety planning and crisis de-escalation.
- Connect individuals with mental health, social, or community services.
- Contact emergency services, including 911, if an immediate risk to life or safety is identified.
When should you call police?
You should call 911 immediately when:
- An individual is actively attempting to harm themselves.
- There is an immediate threat to life or safety.
- Weapons are involved.
- Violence is occurring or imminent.
- Urgent police intervention is required to protect the person or others.
In these situations, police officers will respond and can coordinate with CRCL, health and community partners as appropriate.
By encouraging community members to contact CRCL for non-emergency mental health crises and police when there is immediate danger, Kelowna RCMP and CMHA Kelowna & District are working together to improve outcomes for individuals and families, and the broader community.
Remember: CRCL is the first call for mental health crisis support when there is no immediate danger. If someone is in immediate danger, actively harming themselves or others, call 911 immediately.
CRCL
- Call or Text 778-940-2560
- Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week
CRCL is made possible through collaboration and investment from community partners, including the City of Kelowna, the provincial and federal governments, and CMHA BC Division. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to strengthening mental health care in Kelowna.
More information about CRCL is available through the CMHC website.