Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help police in Hawkesbury and Russell to support people experiencing a mental health crisis.

October 13th, 2023

Hawkesbury — The Ontario government is providing $240,000 to local OPP detachments to 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.

The following police services are receiving funding:

$120,000 to the Hawkesbury OPP
$120,000 to the Russell OPP

“I am proud to see the government supporting our local Mobile Crisis Response Team by providing them with the resources to deliver early intervention and options for people in the midst of a mental health-related crisis.” Said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. “This funding will further support our team of Hawkesbury General Hospital’s mental health professionals and OPP officers to provide our communities with the help they need 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

Stephany Tessier

Office of MPP Stéphane Sarrazin

Stephany.tessier@pc.ola.org

Hunter Kell

Solicitor General’s Office

Hunter.Kell@ontario.ca