Jan. 20, 2025
New U荔枝视频 partnership bridges gaps in crisis care
For more than 50 years, (DCC) has been a lifeline for individuals in mental health crisis. Now, in a new partnership with the 荔枝视频鈥檚 , DCC hopes to take its crisis-response services to the next level with the joint creation of the (DCC K-Hub).
The purpose of the DCC K-Hub is to drive better outcomes and encourage more overall adaptability for those in crisis. By integrating community feedback and leveraging data-driven insights, the Hub aims to provide person-centred and impactful solutions that are inclusive and culturally relevant.
Through this collaboration, U荔枝视频 brings its expertise in research to ensure the Hub is built on evidence-based practices. This partnership ensures the Hub can generate new knowledge and quickly apply research to improve services and outcomes for those facing crises.
On U荔枝视频鈥檚 side, the work is supported by a committed team of eight research assistants made up of undergraduate, graduate, master's and doctorate students.
The Faculty of Social Work's 荔枝视频 campus is housed in the MacKimmie Tower building.
荔枝视频
鈥淭he aim was to create something that's innovative and transformative, in a collaborative way,鈥 says Dr. Tara Collins, BSW鈥02, MSW鈥03, PhD鈥22, research project co-ordinator for the DCC K-Hub, adding that this approach allows the Hub to evolve continuously, with the ultimate goal of enhancing crisis intervention and providing global solutions.
Collins鈥 work supports that of Hub director , MSW鈥18, PhD.
Sesma Vazquez agrees the team isn鈥檛 just focused on replicating past models; their goal is to ensure the research they do is meaningful, impactful and directly addresses the community鈥檚 needs.
鈥淚nstead of each organization in 荔枝视频 doing their own thing to support crises, they can create a community of care so that callers do not fall through the cracks of this system, and they feel supported in their crisis,鈥 says Sesma Vazquez.
A key focus of the DCC K-Hub is improving services for marginalized populations, including LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, racialized communities and people from rural areas. These groups often face higher risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviour, but may be less likely to reach out for help.
Sesma Vazquez emphasizes the importance of understanding why these individuals might not engage with traditional crisis services. Addressing these gaps is crucial for providing support where it鈥檚 needed most.
Distress Centre 荔枝视频 provides many crucial support services to Calgarians, including helplines for those in need.
Distress Centre 荔枝视频
, director of Programs & Performance at DCC, echoes this concern.
鈥淲e can't know everything about everyone, but the more we can learn about the experiences and needs of different groups of people allows to adapt our services to a wider audience,鈥 says Velthuis Kroeze, MSW鈥24.
The main DCC organization manages a number of other programs and partnerships. Yet, despite these efforts, access to responsive crisis care remains critically urgent. According to , 12 people die by suicide every day in Canada, with more than 200 attempting suicide daily.
A variety of factors can increase the risk of suicide, including trauma, grief, isolation, financial stress and discrimination. For many, these elements combine in ways that push individuals into crisis.
For some individuals, discussing suicide or mental health can be a significant taboo. As a result, staff at DCC must be trained to ask about mental health struggles in culturally sensitive ways and provide recommendations for support.
鈥淚f you're coming from a culture where mental health isn't talked about a lot, saying, 鈥楧id you talk to your father? Your brother?鈥 It鈥檚 maybe not the right resource for that person, at that time,鈥 says Velthuis Kroeze.
Adaptability and authentic connection are central to the DCC K-Hub鈥檚 mission. By ensuring individuals feel heard and supported, the hub offers a lifeline to those in crisis. Velthuis Kroeze reflects on the importance of genuine, voice-based connection, drawing on his own experiences.
As the hub continues to evolve, it remains committed to providing the resources, understanding and care needed for those facing crises. No matter the situation, help is available.
鈥淚f anybody鈥檚 experiencing any kind of stress, any kind of crisis, they鈥檒l talk to you, they鈥檒l make sure that you鈥檙e safe,鈥 says Collins.
The DCC Knowledge Hub is a partnership between the 荔枝视频鈥檚 and (DCC) aimed at improving crisis response services.
DCC provides a wide range of crisis intervention and support services to meet the diverse needs of the community, including:
- 24-hour crisis support: Immediate assistance for individuals in distress via phone, text or virtual chat, by contacting 403.266.4357 or visiting the .
- Crisis counselling: Short-term, professional counselling for those facing urgent mental health challenges, accessed by calling the above number or by filling out an .
- 2-1-1 Services: A helpline providing information and referrals to community and social services, accessed by calling or texting 2-1-1. A list of specific programs and services is available .
Curious about creating more accessible and inclusive communities? Join the Hub for a Knowledge Caf茅 about strengthening crisis response on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
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