A new mobile crisis response team is launching in Thunder Bay, Ont., later this year. Its goal is to provide wraparound support to those experiencing mental health and addictions issues and divert them from the emergency department whenever possible.Michael Tibollo, Ontario's associate minister of mental health and addictions, is seen at the podium announcing $2.7 million for a mobile mental crisis response team pilot project in Thunder Bay, Ont.
It will consist of community paramedicine and mental health crisis workers who can provide immediate mental health and addictions support to those in crisis, and options for ongoing care. "If we do that and we stabilize them and we provide them the wraparound care and supports in our community, our systems will start to come into equilibrium."
Tibollo said this model of care will alleviate pressures on paramedics and police officers, while also easing the strain on emergency rooms.