Four Northern Ontario police services will share $480,000 in provincial funding to support special mobile response teams that assist those in the midst of a mental health crisis.
The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program.
The province provided funding to the following police services:
- $120,000 for the North Bay OPP
- $120,000 for the Kirkland Lake OPP
- $120,000 for the Temiskaming OPP
- $120,000 for the Greater Sudbury Police Service
GSPS Chief Paul Pedersen said having the ability to provide the right kind of help in tense situations ensures people who need help can get it.
“Through our continued partnership with Health Sciences North, officers in collaboration with Mental Health and Addictions specialists provide on-site de-escalation to those in crisis while making support services immediately accessible,” Pedersen said in the news release. “This not only assists in reducing officer wait times at the Emergency Department, but it ensures that those suffering from addictions or living with mental health challenges are provided with the appropriate resources.”
Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers working together to respond to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor.
Supported by the police, crisis workers can assess if an individual should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and/or provide referrals to community programs that support mental and physical well-being.
