Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

ESSEX COUNTY — The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help the Essex County 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.

“This funding stream is essential to proving our police officers with the resources they need to work in tandem with trained crisis workers,” said MPP Anthony Leardi. “When helping the most vulnerable in our community, especially those who are struggling with mental health, we need to make sure that our police officers have all the tools necessary to provide support.”

In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as Ontario Provincial Police (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 Ontarians safe.”

“The news of additional funding support in Essex County is exciting. This provides us with an opportunity to work towards a better future for all” said Inspector Angela Ferguson, Detachment Commander for the Essex County OPP.

“Police are called upon to respond to thousands of mental health calls a year,” said Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner. “The integrated Mobile Crisis Response Teams approach, with officers 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.