Interior Health says its partnership with Cranbrook RCMP in tackling mental health and substance use crises continues to make an impact more than two years since it launched.
In February 2024, Cranbrook became one of several IH locations to receive an Integrated Crisis Response Outreach Liaison (ICROL) – a representative who joins police in calls related to mental health crises in the community.
“My passion for trauma and crisis work began in the Emergency Department, where I saw firsthand how critical those first moments of intervention can be in shaping a person’s outcome,” said Chelsey Weisbecker, Cranbrook’s RCMP liaison.
“This role as the integrated crisis response clinician has allowed me to take that work one step closer- to be present from the very beginning of a crisis, often in the immediate aftermath of trauma, mental health emergencies, or substance related crises, when people are at their most vulnerable.”
RCMP Operations NCO Sgt. Stu Hert says her experience has been a big help to the detachment’s service delivery model.
“With a foot in both the health care and policing world, Chelsey is able to bridge the gap between the two and ensure effective transition from crisis response to on-going care,” said Hert.
“Seamlessly integrating with our team and establishing her credibility in the crucible of frontline police response, Chelsey exemplifies the values of compassion, respect and excellence in service that make up our guiding principles.”
Other Interior Health communities to receive a liaison include Nelson, Williams Lake and Trail.
Toxic drug deaths in Cranbrook had been steadily decreasing, from 20 in 2023 to nine in 2025.
There have been five drug deaths across the East Kootenay so far this year, according to the latest BC Coroners Service data.
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