Interior Health says it has made it easier for people to find the community mental health and substance use supports they need with the expansion of a new phone service across the region.

Director of Quality, Standards and Practice, Jana Abetkoff admits reaching out for help can be intimidating to some people.

“Add to that challenges with not knowing who to go to or where to seek assistance and it can make for a very stressful circumstance,” she said. “Interior Health is trying to make that process easier for people by initiating a 310-MHSU or 310-6478 phone number that will connect people to their closest mental health and substance use centre.”

Abetkoff says the service was developed after feedback from people who were looking to find easy ways to access supports. This phone service can be accessed by service providers as well as the general public.

“The 310-MHSU phone number offers easier connection to and navigation of Interior Health’s community mental health and substance use services. It does not replace existing phone numbers for community, hospital, or emergency services,” Abetkoff added, noting people should still call 911 in an emergency.

“If you are already connected to community mental health and substance use, you can continue to use the phone numbers you have.”

The phone service launched in the South Okanagan on Sept. 8, 2020, before it was expanded across Interior Health on Jan. 12.