Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help police in Lanark and Smiths Falls support people experiencing a mental health crisis

NEWS October 10, 2023

Smiths Falls, Ont. – The Ontario government is providing $232, 853 to help the Lanark Detachment of the OPP and the Smiths Falls Police Service 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 collaboration between the Smiths Falls Police Service, Lanark County OPP and Lanark County Mental Health is so vital to supporting residents that are in mental distress and requiring immediate assistance,” said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This partnership allows for a front-line approach that can provide resources and response that’s needed.”

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.”

“On behalf of the Smiths Falls Police Service I am so happy to hear from MPP Jordan’s office that we have been supported through a funding grant for our collaborative work with Lanark County Mental Health and the Lanark County OPP. The MCRT team comprised of police officers and mental health workers is providing great support to people in our community in mental health crisis. This further funding shows our provincial government’s commitment to keeping our communities safe and providing care to those who require it most,” said Mark MacGillivary, Chief of the Smiths Falls Police Service.

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.

MPP John Jordan Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, Ont. K7A 5L3

613-284-1630

john.jordan@pc.ola.org

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

Hunter Kell

Solicitor General’s Office

Hunter.Kell@ontario.ca