(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police and Community Addiction Mental Health Services have partnered and launched the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT) to Norfolk County, Ontario. The MCRRT is a program that combines resources of both organizations to better serve residents of Norfolk County with mental health concerns.
MCRRT provides an integrated approach to responding to individuals who may be suffering from a mental illness or find themselves in a crisis situation and whose needs are not being effectively met within the current system. This collaborative initiative, put forth by the OPP and the Community Addiction Mental Health Services is aimed at addressing gaps in existing crisis services. The program is supported by the Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Police Services Board.
Too often, there are individuals who come to the attention of police and emergency room personnel at a point where hospitalization or incarceration are seen to be the only options to intervene – options which rarely offer a solution that would allow the individual an opportunity for longer term change.
MCRRT pairs a specially trained police officer with a mental health crisis worker who work together to meet with a vulnerable individual. It’s a pro-active approach in attempting to engage with an individual to assess their needs before their concerns or issues escalate.
“With a better understanding of those who suffer with mental illness, we can quickly identify the issues during an emergency call and de-escalate the situation so we can safely prevent a person from doing harm to themselves or to others and get them into the appropriate care and services that are identified and required,” comments Inspector Zvonko Horvat, Norfolk County OPP Detachment Commander.