The 24/7 Crisis Diversion Program has been operating since 2015.

The 24/7 Crisis Diversion Program is funded by the City of Edmonton, with additional in-kind contributions from partner agencies.

Crisis Diversion operates 10 mobile teams over a 24-hour period, with up to 6 teams on the road at the same time during peak evening hours. During the winter months, an additional overnight shift is added to manage the influx of calls that occur in cold temperatures.

Anyone in Edmonton who is vulnerable, or concerned about someone in distress, can call 211 and press 3 to access the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Teams. People choose whether to accept our help — we always respect their choice.

Our Community Resource Specialists take calls, assess the situation, and dispatch a mobile team if needed. Mobile teams arrive, provide on-site support, and assist in transporting individuals to safe destinations should they request that.

We support people in getting to a safe space; this may include their home, a shelter, a hospital, a medical facility, or another community agency.

Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, violent, or experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency such as an overdose or if they are not breathing. Call 911 as well if someone is unresponsive in a snowbank and not waking. Call 24/7 Crisis Diversion for non-emergency support where safety is not immediately at risk.

Our relationship with Edmonton Police Service (EPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire Rescue, and Peace Officers is collaborative. We assist them with lower-priority calls and reach out when/if we require their support.

If there is an immediate risk or an activated plan, call 911 right away. Our teams often support individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts by providing care and transporting them to appropriate services.

We do not directly intervene in domestic violence situations. In some cases, we may provide support after police are involved or help connect individuals to safer options.

Crisis Diversion staff receive training in:

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Historical Trauma & Cultural Competence
• Non-Violent Crisis De-Escalation
• Mental Health First Aid
• Standard First Aid/CPR
• Naloxone
• The Working Mind for First Responders
• Psychological PPE: Tools to Safeguard Our Emotional Well-Being
• Tip of Spear – Serving Safely

Opioid poisonings are medical emergencies. Please call 911 immediately. Crisis Diversion may assist if encountered during a call, but we are not first responders for poisoning situations.

We are not a medical service, but our staff carry First Aid kits and can provide basic first aid until medical professionals arrive.

Yes. We provide essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, food, and water when available.

Our program is voluntary, so we are unable to remove people from property. We can engage with the individual and support them in choosing a safer place to go.

Yes, Crisis Diversion has a wheelchair-accessible van to ensure safe transport.

If you’d like to donate or organize a fundraiser, please contact the Program Manager at [email protected] or by phone at 780-982-2436.