Brantford and Six Nations Police Services have received a significant boost in funding from the provincial government to establish mobile crisis response teams. This initiative aims to improve the response to mental health crises in the community.
The funding, totaling $1.2 million, will be used to create two teams consisting of a police officer and a mental health professional. These teams will be available 24/7 to respond to mental health-related calls in the Brantford and Six Nations areas.
According to Brantford Police Chief Rob Davis, this funding will greatly enhance the services provided to individuals experiencing mental health crises. He stated, “This partnership between police and mental health professionals will ensure that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate support and care they need.”
The mobile crisis response teams will work collaboratively with local mental health agencies, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Brantford-Brant Community Healthcare System, to provide a comprehensive and timely response to mental health calls.
Six Nations Police Chief Darren Montour also expressed his gratitude for the funding, stating that it will allow for a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing mental health issues in the community.
The provincial funding for these mobile crisis response teams is part of the government’s commitment to improving mental health services across Ontario. Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Christine Elliott, stated, “We know that timely and appropriate care is crucial for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These mobile crisis response teams will help ensure that individuals receive the support they need when they need it.”
The mobile crisis response teams are expected to be operational by the end of 2019. This initiative is a significant step towards improving the response to mental health crises in the Brantford and Six Nations communities, and it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals in need.
