Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help police in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry support people experiencing a mental health crisis

NEWS

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry — The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to the Cornwall Police Service and $45,000 to the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment 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.

“Ensuring police services have the resources to keep their communities safe is a top priority for our government,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “I am inspired to hear that the Cornwall Police Service and the SD&G OPP are receiving funding through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant. It is imperative that first responders have the tools they need to help vulnerable people in crisis situations.”

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 CONTACT Office of Nolan Quinn, MPP Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Tel: 613-933-6513 / TF: 1-800-514-9660 Email: nolan.quinn@pc.ola.org