Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help police in Kawartha Lakes support people experiencing a mental health crisis

KAWARTHA LAKES — The Ontario government is providing $109,229 to help The Kawartha Lakes 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.

“Funding for the Kawartha Lakes Police Service’s Mobile Crisis Response Team will help ensure they can swiftly and safely respond to those suffering a mental health crisis,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “With this investment, our government is taking another step in ensuring that people are able to access services and resources when 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.”

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

William Hume
Legislative Assistant
Office of MPP Laurie Scott
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
(437)-423-8861
william.hume@pc.ola.org

Hunter Kell
Solicitor General’s Office
Hunter.Kell@ontario.ca