As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing $239,932.91 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team led by Northumberland OPP. The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“I am pleased to see our government investing in the Northumberland OPP MHEART/MCRT Expansion,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South. “This provincial funding strengthens the important partnership between Northumberland OPP, Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg Police Services, and Port Hope Police Services. By working together, we are ensuring that people in crisis receive compassionate, timely support while helping police keep our communities safe.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams—made up of police and crisis workers—who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
“This grant will enable the OPP to expand its Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (MHEART) here in Northumberland County and Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) across the province, allowing us to improve pathways and connections to necessary services for those experiencing crisis. When police and health partners can continue working together through initiatives like this, safety is improved, and we see better outcomes for everyone,” said Mike Cavanagh, Detachment Commander, Northumberland OPP.
(PAUL MARTIN)
