A provincial grant to South Simcoe Police (SSP) to help support people who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis has got more legs than expected.
The police service received $117,865 in funding to cover about 1,820 hours of support. Through diligent allocation of funds and the collaboration with York Support Services Network and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Simcoe County, an additional 400 hours has been tacked on.
The funding allows SSP to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need in their Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury coverage area.
“The Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) Grant is a critical investment and represents an
important benefit for Innisfil and Simcoe County residents,” said Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin. “The funding will build on the great work South Simcoe Police does to help the community at large when it comes to complex situations, mental health, and addiction calls.
South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke said the additional funding allows partner mental health agencies to expand hours of coverage for the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) program.
"The program consists of a specially trained, plainclothes police officer and a mental health crisis worker who respond to crisis calls. Working together to de-escalate situations and provide mental health support, this program is essential to help persons in crisis navigate support systems in our communities."
Van Dyke added the funding will enhance the crucial role of COAST.
"This demonstrates our commitment to maximizing the impact of the grant and ensuring that our communities receive the support they need."
The Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to similar teams across 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as the OPP, in 2023-24.
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