Ontario investing $120,000 in Quinte West OPP’s response to mental health and addictions

Mobile Crisis Response Team Grant supports IMPACT

QUINTE WEST – The Ontario government is providing $120,000 to help Quinte West’s Ontario Provincial Police IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Co-Response Team) program 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 and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.

“Mobile crisis response teams, like IMPACT, have had a positive effect on both people experiencing mental health or addictions crises and the police officers responding to those calls. They provide support, knowledge, and resources for ongoing assistance,” said Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “I’m pleased to see this grant funding will fund the continuation of this important work in Quinte West.”

Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers responding to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor. Supported by the police, crisis workers can help determine whether an individual suspected of experiencing a crisis should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and provide connections to community programming and supports if necessary.

“When people need help, every second matters. That’s why we’re providing training and resources to the police officers and nurses on Ontario’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams so they can best support those facing a mental health or addictions crisis,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This investment will put the right people in the right places to de-escalate situations that could pose a safety risk. Working together with our police community partners, we’re keeping Ontario safe.”

In 2024-2025, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 40 police services and Ontario Provincial Police detachments to strengthen their Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.

Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison welcomed the investment.

“The City of Quinte West is grateful to see that $120,000 from the Province’s Mobile Crisis Response Team Grant will enhance Quinte West’s OPP’s mental health services,” said Harrison. “This investment will continue to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health or addictions crises have access to specialized support when and where it’s needed most. By strengthening the OPP’s ability to respond to these complex situations, we are fostering a safer, and healthier, community for all.”

QUICK FACTS

• The Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system.