Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

October 10, 2023

Funding will help police in St. Thomas and Middlesex County support people experiencing a mental health crisis.

St. Thomas and Middlesex County — The Ontario government is providing $92, 500 to the St. Thomas Police Service and $117, 750 to the Middlesex County OPP to help 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 investment is critical to helping police support vulnerable people in our communities when they need it most,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London.  “The partnership between police and trained crisis workers is a great way to ensure the individual in crisis receives the care and support that they need, while the police also maintain public safety.”

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.”

“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.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Deb Ransom

Office of Rob Flack, MPP

Elgin-Middlesex-London

deb.ransom@pc.ola.org

Hunter Kell

Solicitor General’s Office

Hunter.Kell@ontario.ca