Kids with mental health challenges will now have access to medical identification service
Posted May 7, 2019 11:45 am.
Last Updated May 7, 2019 11:49 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Kids with less visible health issues are about to get a tool that gives peace of mind for many people who suffer from severe allergies or other chronic, physical medical problems.
Children will now have access to MedicAlert bracelets, tags, or wallet cards which will be able to tell a paramedic or other first responder that a child or teen is dealing with a mental health problem.
It’s part of a pilot project coordinated through a partnership between Family Smart — a non-profit organization focused on child and youth mental health — and the BC Children’s Hospital.
Keli Anderson, who is the president and CEO of Family Smart — says the tags will go a long way when it comes to helping a minor who may be dealing with an illness that isn’t “visible” by providing crucial information to those who need it.
“If a young person’s in a mental health crisis, it would be great for people to know, ‘oh, this is a mental health crisis,'” she explains. “What kind of meds is this kid on? What are some things that help? What are some triggers, and if we do this, this is how they might respond. Who are the important people in their life that we should be contacting?”
Anderson’s own son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than 20 years ago. She says other people having this kind of information would have helped him through the years.
She notes there have been times when others have responded in unhelpful ways based on assumptions.
“I think about all the things that I would have wished that people had taken the time to learn about him before just responding. It would have dramatically changed some of what his experience has been in his 25 years of this journey.”
