Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Team for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
Funding will allow police and mental health professionals to help people in crisis
NEWS
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry – The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to the Cornwall Police Service and $55,000 to the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry 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 and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.
“Our government is bolstering support for our residents’ mental wellness,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “This critical investment will allow emergency response services to efficiently and effectively respond to mental health crises, further connecting our community with high-quality care.”
Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers responding to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor. Supported by the police, crisis workers can help determine whether an individual suspected of experiencing a crisis should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and provide connections to community programming and supports if necessary.
“When people need help, every second matters. That’s why we’re providing training and resources to the police officers and nurses on Ontario’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams so they can best support those facing a mental health or addictions crisis,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This investment will put the right people in the right places to de-escalate situations that could pose a safety risk. Working together with our police community partners, we’re keeping Ontario safe.”
In 2024-25, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 40 police services and Ontario Provincial Police detachments to strengthen their Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.
Cornwall Police Service is extremely grateful for the funding received by the Solicitor General’s office in relation to our Project – VSMART Responding Together. CPS’ Mobile Crisis Response Team, called the Vulnerable Sector Mobile Acute Response Team (VSMART) responds to calls for much needed service relating to mental health and addiction concerns. VSMART Responding Together will enable CPS to expand on its current community partnership with Cornwall Community Hospital to deliver a higher level of service in this area. Calls for service relating to mental health concerns continue to increase annually demonstrating the need to expand on our current VSMART team, and the funding provided through this grant is vital to CPS’ ability to execute the enhancement of our work and provide an increased level of service to those most vulnerable in our community.
-Shawna Spowart, Cornwall Police Chief
“The Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry OPP greatly appreciate receiving a provincial grant to support our Mobile Crisis Response Team project, entitled “Keeping the golden years golden”. These funds will enhance the crucial role of the Mobile Crisis Response Team, which through its daily interactions, de-escalates, navigates and mitigates incidents involving people experiencing a mental health and/or addiction related crisis. Furthermore, this grant will ensure that our members provide informed and respectful support to elderly and indigenous persons living with mental illness. The Mobile Crisis Response Team is an invaluable tool, that enhances collaboration between police, hospitals and our community partners to ensure that those in crisis receive the appropriate supports at the appropriate time.”
– Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry OPP
QUICK FACTS
- The Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system.
MEDIA CONTACT
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
613-933-6513
nolan.quinn@pc.ola.org