A mobile crisis intervention team that helps St. Thomas police connect people with mental health challenges with the services they need is getting some help from the province.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Elgin Middlesex London MPP Jeff Yurek announced on Friday morning that the government will provide over $140,000 to the team. According to a statement from the government, $70,574 will go the Canadian Mental Health Association Elgin to pay for a mental health worker who will "work with police to engage individuals in crisis, de-escalate high-pressure situations and connect individuals with necessary health supports." Another $70,574 will help the CMHA Elgin fund a post-court transitional case manager who will support people with mental illness who are out on bail, found not guilty of charges, or released without detention find mental health and addiction services, as well as housing.
"Mental health can impact our friends, colleagues, neighbours, and family members. It is a community issue. We need to ensure the best supports are in place to help strengthen the care being provided to people with mental health challenges in St. Thomas. Our provincial government recognizes that a collaborative approach to community safety and wellbeing works, and our local mental health partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Elgin is a perfect example of the approach we need for the citizens of St. Thomas," said St. Thomas Police Service Chief Chris Herridge in a statement released Friday. "Everyone values the work that our CMHA Mental Health Clinician, Alex Paterson, has been doing for the community and will continue to do thanks to support from our provincial government."
Yurek said he has heard from police and mental health advocates that continued support for the mobile crisis intervention team is needed. He added the citizens of St. Thomas will benefit from the funding announced Friday.
