Mobile Crisis Response Teams get a boost in funding from province

Grey Highlands OPP and Grey County paramedics on June 16, 2020. (Grey Highlands Fire/Twitter)

The Ontario government is investing $240,000 over two years to support the the Collingwood and the Blue Mountains Mobile Crisis Response Team.

The funding will enable the OPP to work with trained crisis workers and the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital to provide the specialized support needed for people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.

“This is excellent news for the residents of South Georgian Bay and is recognition of the great work of our local Mobile Crisis Response Team which has been at the forefront of this important initiative for many years,” said MPP Simcoe-Grey Brian Saunderson. “The Mobile Crisis Response Team works cooperatively with other partner organizations to ensure that those in distress are connected with the critical services they need as quickly as possible.”

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“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,” said Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.

During 2025/26 and 2026/27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.

Commander Loris Licharson of the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains detachment said they continue to see an increase in mental health related calls for service.

“Our Mobile Crisis Response Team is a critical mechanism for us to respond to and support those in crisis.

“It is also our avenue to ensure that referrals to community supports and services are made and actioned, to try and prevent future calls and emergency room visits, while easing pressure on first responders and health care providers, Licharson said.