The province is investing $120,000 to help North Bay OPP provide support to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
The money will be delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant and enables trained crisis workers to go with officers responding to those in need.
“While police presence is often important to ensure safety and well-being during calls for service, crisis workers are very skilled in de-escalation and can effectively support the individual in crisis,” says William McMullen, North Bay OPP Commander. “Working together with our community stakeholders including North Bay and District Canadian Mental Health Association means improved safety and better outcomes for everyone.”
Supported by police, the province says the workers help determine whether a person suspected of experiencing a crisis should be sent to an emergency department for treatment, and provide connections to community programming and support.
