A new partnership between local police and the region's Local Health Integration Network hopes to improve service for those dealing with a mental health crisis.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) responded to 2,300 calls from people either attempting suicide or in a mental health crisis in 2011.
WRPS Const. Michael Stotts says “There’s no clear cut answer when it comes to feelings and emotions.”
Now a ‘Mobile Crisis Team’ will ensure counsellors get to those who need them anytime, and help officers dealing with complicated situations.
Bruce Lauckner of the Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WW-LHIN) says “Many of those individuals would prefer support and solutions in their home and that’s what we’re bringing about through the expansion of the Mobile Crisis Team.”
There is also hope that the assistance will reduce the amount of time officers spend responding to calls related to mental health issued.
Currently dealing with that type of call takes an average of 104 minutes.
WRPS Chief Matt Torigian says “If we can reduce our hours of involvement by 30 per cent, it will have a tremendous impact on the front line services.”
Having counsellors on hand could also help cut down on the number of emergency room visits connected to mental health calls.
Allan Strong, a counselor with the Self Help Alliance, says “People end up going to hospital because that’s the only thing available at that time.”
As the program continues, Strong hopes it will also help reduce the stigma around mental health issues, “So that perhaps, next time, police don’t have to be involved.”
As part of the program, half of Waterloo Region’s police officers will also get additional increased mental health training.
