Ontario invests in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help Quinte West OPP support people experiencing a mental health crisis

QUINTE WEST — The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help the Quinte West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.

“Embedding mental health workers in policing environments via the Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward Addiction and Mental Health Services’ IMPACT program has led to fewer repeat interactions with law enforcement and better connections to wraparound supports,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “This grant will support that important work continuing within Quinte West communities.”

In 2023-2024, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as the OPP, to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.

“We’re supporting our police services by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations, said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams are best positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and are an important part of how police, in collaboration with this government, are working hard to keep people safe.”

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique is pleased detachments like Quinte West are receiving support.

“Police are called upon to respond to thousands of mental health calls a year,” said Carrique. “The integrated Mobile Crisis Response Teams approach, with offers and crisis workers attending calls together, supports de-escalation at the time of crisis and connects individuals with the right community resources, at the right time, to better meet their needs and reduce future police interactions.”

QUICK FACTS

▪ 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.
▪ The Mobile Crisis Response Teams Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system and complements the government’s earlier commitments to protect people’s health and enhance mobile crisis teams across the province.