Better help is on the way for those in Oxford County suffering a mental health crisis.
Oxford OPP, Woodstock police, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Oxford have partnered for a two-year pilot project dubbed the Mental Health Engagement and Response Team or MHEART.
The new mobile crisis intervention program will see CMHA crisis workers accompany police on mental health calls to help de-escalate a situation and determine whether someone needs to be taken into custody under the Mental Health Act or diverted to community-based mental health supports.
"Addressing a person's mental health or addictions issue requires the right response, by the right professional at the right time," said Mike McMahon, executive director of CMHA Oxford. "Having the resources available during a crisis call is critical to de-escalating a situation as is following up with that person to make sure they get access to appropriate community supports."
It is believed pairing crisis workers with police will lead to fewer individuals in a mental health crisis being taken to the emergency room, which would free up both hospital resources and officers. Police are required to remain in hospital with a person arrested under the Mental Health Act.
"MHEART certainly allows for a more efficient mobilization of local services which ultimately leads to a better outcome for the community," said Woodstock Police Chief Bill Renton. "This means that individuals in crisis will receive more appropriate care while freeing up officers to do what they do best and that's focusing on community safety."
It costs just $72 per day to house a person in the community with mental health supports, versus $460 per day to house them in jail or $485 per day to house them in hospital.
The new strategy could be particularly useful in chronic cases where a person may need long-term mental health intervention and connection with community resources, according to the partners.
If the pilot program is deemed a success, the initiative could be made a permanent service.
