This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the event that took place on January 23rd, 2023, when the Delta Police Department received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Jonny Morris, who reached out during the crisis faced on that bridge and extended his support through a long negotiation process that lasted 8 hours and also caused the closing of the bridge, which created discontent from the general population which was affected by this security measure.

The overall decision to close the bridge was complex but guided by the belief in the importance of preserving life, which first responders and committed officers achieved, saving this man’s life and successfully assisting an individual with a mental health crisis. 

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:15] Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins Chief Dubord.

[7:13] Jonny talks about his role and how he advocates for mental health.

[9:44] Jonny shares the successes accomplished and the services the Canadian Mental Health Association gives.

[13:35] Care to Speak and Care for Care Giver and their impact on stress management teams and first responders.

[16:33] Jonny talks about building psychologically safe environments and their work on preventive care.

[19:58] Jonny speaks of the Study in Blue and Gray, a report with many recommendations in cases of people confronting a mental health emergency. 

[23:54] Jonny described the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace. 

[32:40] Why is it so difficult for mental fitness to be on the same footing as physical health?

[39:08] Jonny expresses his gratitude.

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Canadian Mental Health Association

Learn more about 13 Factors: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

Anxiety Canada

Call the crisis line:  3-10-6789

 

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

 

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Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.