Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Team for Nipissing
January 24, 2025Funding will allow police and mental health professionals to help people in crisis
NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help the North Bay OPP provide specialized support to people 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.
“The Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This investment enables the North Bay OPP to continue delivering timely access to support for individuals in our community in a mental health crisis.”
“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. Working together with our community stakeholders including North Bay and District Canadian Mental Health Association means improved safety and better outcomes for everyone.” – Bill McMullen, North Bay OPP Commander.
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 support if necessary.
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.
Additional Information