The Hawkesbury Detachment as well as the Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have joined with the Hawkesbury General Hospital (HGH) are offering a new crisis response service through an innovative partnership. The goal of the new Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is to provide early intervention and options for people in the midst of a mental health-related crisis.
People experiencing a crisis often call 9-1-1 for assistance. When a mental health-related call comes in, an OPP officer and an experienced mental health professional team up to provide the person in crisis, their families and caregivers with immediate and appropriate care. Crisis may relate to psychosocial acute situations such as loss of shelter or basic needs, risk of self-harm to others, intoxication and not knowing where to turn to, people call the police. The MCRT approach will lead to timely and preventive interventions as well as a reduction in traumatic mental health apprehensions.
Hawkesbury OPP – Since February 2021, Provincial Constable Mario Gratton has been patrolling the Hawkesbury area and surroundings with Mental Health Counsellor Frantz Neveu from HGH 3 days a week. With advanced mental health training and experience, Counsellor Frantz Neveu can screen for serious mental health situations or substance abuse; complete a mental health assessment; advocate for client care with various partners in the community, as well as assist people needing emergency hospitalization. He will also assess for risk of suicide and provide health information for family members and caregivers. Constable Gratton will assist in ensuring a secure environment to provide care as well as in an emergency hospitalization situation. As of July 2021, another MCRT team will be deployed in the Russell Region 3 days a week to ensure all of the Prescott-Russell counties may benefit from this program.
In 2018 the Hawkesbury OPP had 121 calls for service where mental health was an issue, in 2019 they had 176 calls for service, in 2020 they had 194 calls for service, and now six months into 2021 there have been 110 calls for service, showing a constant rise in mental health issues that police are called to assist.
Russell County OPP – the MCRT program will start as of July 5th 2021, the Russell team will be comprised of Provincial Constable Melissa Bouchard and Mental Health Social Worker Bruce Denis from the Hawkesbury General Hospital.
Statement by Dr. Julie Maranda, HGH Chief of Staff
‘This new partnership will provide persons, facing difficult circumstances, personalized and adapted care in a private and secure environment. By working with the OPP, we’re focusing on the client’s need and offering access to the right care, at the right time in the right place.’
Statement by Inspector Chris McGillis, Hawkesbury OPP Detachment Commander
“The collaboration between the OPP and the Hawkesbury General Hospital will greatly enhance the access to vital services for clients in critical need of care, as well as, increasing efficiencies in providing these Services.”
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