Ontario is expanding the number of mobile mental health teams working with police officers in response to an increase in 911 calls from people in distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s very important they have backup from trained mental health professionals to help them de-escalate situations and get people the help they need,” Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.
He announced $37 million for teams to begin working or expand existing operations in 33 communities, from Toronto and Ottawa to remote First Nations in northern Ontario.
The money will also go to “safe bed” programs working with the crisis teams to take in people on short notice, up to 524 new supportive housing units for Ontarians with mental health and addictions troubles caught up in the justice system, and more addictions counselling.
“When you get that 911 call you have to be ready for anything,” Ford said of the need for police to have backup on the mental health front.
“People don’t know where to turn or situations can go downhill real quickly without the social supports we normally have,” he added, referring to isolation many people are feeling in a world of physical distancing and financial uncertainty because of lost jobs.
The Canadian Mental Health Association applauded the additional cash, saying it will help people get the services they need sooner.
“We anticipate that this funding will help divert individuals who are experiencing a crisis to appropriate community-based care rather than the person ending up in the hospital emergency department or justice system,” said Camille Quenneville, chief executive of the association’s Ontario division.
“The government also wisely invested in supports for front-line staff in correctional facilities and for individuals already in custody,” she added.
“Supporting individuals while in custody or under community supervision can help them manage their mental health or addictions issue and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.”
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said 911 calls related to mental health issues are up about 45 per cent, making it important to have supports more readily available when police are called.
“In many cases a police response is necessary but there are calls for service that could benefit from an alternative response,” said James Ramer, chief of Toronto police.
Almost $12 million of the $37 million is going to the mobile crisis teams and the safe bed programs. Another $14 million is for the supportive housing units.
The money is part of the $176 million Ford announced earlier this year to boost mental health and addictions services amid increasing awareness of the need for improvements.
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/11/17/ontario-expands-mental-health-teams-working-with-police-as-pandemic-drives-up-911-calls.html
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