Olds RCMP are seeing a spike in mental health-related calls, likely due to the current tough economy, according to Olds RCMP commanding officer Staff Sgt. Joe Sangster.
Sangster made that comment during a visit with Bowden town council.
“One thing we see that's increasing this time of year as the economy's gone down is mental health – calls for mental health,” Sangster told councillors. “Our calls for service have gone up.
“We take this hat off and we put that one on.
“The guys just got back from Ponoka, taking a gentleman there, so it's sad, but it's reality,” he said.
Sangster did not provide any specific figures on mental health-related calls dealt with by his detachment.
"It's sad, but it's reality." STAFF SGT. JOE SANGSTEROLDS RCMP
