NEWS RELEASE
MPP SAM OOSTERHOFF
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NIAGARA FALLS – The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help the Niagara Regional 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.
"In a time of mental distress, a Mobile Crisis Response Team can make a critical life-saving difference by safely deescalating a crisis," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"This important funding will help support frontline officers right across our region."
"We welcome this funding that will allow us to continue expansion into our 3 District to better serve those residents living in Welland and Pelham during a time of crisis," said Bryan MacCulloch, chief of police of the Niagara Regional Police Service.
"Building upon the success that we, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, have observed in St. Catharines/Thorold and Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the previous pilot project in 3 District, we are looking forward to providing an enhanced and empathetic response to support people living in our community, at a time when they are most vulnerable."
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 are supporting our police services by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations," said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario.
"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.
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