Melinda's Story

After ensuring her children were in a safe place, Melinda* traveled to Edmonton for a funeral. Following the service, overwhelmed by emotions, she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. The morning after the funeral, she found herself in the EPS Detainee Management Unit (DMU).

The DMU paramedic offered follow-up support and conducted wellness checks. Subsequently, Melinda met with a DMU Navigator from Hope Mission's HELP program, who assisted her with release planning.

Melinda immediately expressed deep concern for her children's wellbeing. The DMU Navigator located the contact information for their caretaker and facilitated a reassuring phone call, ensuring they would be cared for until her return later that evening.

Arrangements were made for Melinda's transportation home through a bus company contacted by the DMU Navigator. As well, the Navigator provided Melinda with grief resources, information about a no-cost grief program, and crisis resources as a precautionary measure.

Once release planning was finalized, the navigator coordinated with EPS patrol members to ensure Melinda safely reached the designated bus terminal for her journey home.

*Name and other identifying information changed for privacy.