An Airdrie RCMP officer has received a prestigious award from the Province for her work in relation to mental health.

Corporal Echelle Malone has been an RCMP member for over 20 years, spending the last 13 in Airdrie.

Cpl. Malone worked to create the Mental Health and Addictions Liason Team known as MHALT. The team includes a partnership with Alberta Health Services to address unique challenges surrounding mental health and addiction. The goal is to identify those who need help and have multiple interactions with police and get them the services they need ahead of time.

“The team leverages their strong relationships to work with over ten community-serving organizations. The strength of these relationships is a testament to Corporal Malone and her team’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for her clients and their families,” stated a write up from the province about why she received the award.

The MHALT team was formed in 2018 as a ‘made in Airdrie’ pilot project funded by the City. Between June and November of 2018, the team responded to 247 direct requests for service. Since then, the team has become an invaluable part of the local detachment and is also receives funding from the province’s health authority.

Alberta Community Justice Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations promoting community justice. The awards are in the categories of Community Mobilization, Partnerships and Collaboration, Innovation, and Leadership. Cpl. Malone received her award in the Innovation category.

 

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