TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The local health authority is offering drop-in mental health appointments for people in Tumbler Ridge after the tragedy earlier this week.
Following the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Northern Health is offering people access to mental health clinicians at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre.
“We recognize that many people may be feeling shocked, overwhelmed or distressed, and want residents to know that mental health supports are available and accessible to anyone who needs them,” Northern Health stated in a press release.
The health authority has also extended the hours of the health centre until the week of Feb 16th to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. It also stated an update on the centre’s future hours of operation would be “coming soon.”
Northern Health also stated support through the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) would be mobilizing to travel to and support Tumbler Ridge.
School District 59 has also created a space at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre for the community to “come together” as needed.
“All are welcome to attend and connect with mental health professionals in that space as well, [including] school district counsellors and other mental health clinicians from various partner agencies, including Northern Health,” the health authority wrote.
Northern Health also said healthcare staff are supported in the community.
“Additional staff are being deployed to the community to ensure coverage for health centre services and that local staff have the support and rest they may need. We are assessing health centre and mental health support needs on an ongoing basis and working to put the necessary supports in place.”
A free shuttle is also operating between Tumbler Ridge and Dawson Creek via Chetwynd for “anyone needing support travelling between those communities in the coming weeks.”
Mental health supports and resources are also available through a variety of options:
- B.C.’s mental health line at 310‑6789 .
- Suicide Crisis Helpline on 9-8-8 (call or text).
- Bereavement and grief support line at 1-877-779-2223.
- Kids Help Phone, available by texting ‘connect’ to 686868.
- Kuu‑us Crisis Line at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally-aware support for Indigenous people.
- Northern Health virtual and community mental health services at 1-844-645-7811.
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