CPS EXPANDS MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM

Cornwall, ON – The Cornwall Police Service (CPS) is expanding its Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) to two teams in partnership with Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH), increasing the community’s access to specialized mental health crisis response.

The program, formerly known as the Vulnerable Sector Acute Response Team (VSMART), was introduced in 2017 in response to a rapid increase in mental health-related calls for service. The program has since evolved into MCRT, with a continued focus on crisis intervention, de-escalation, follow-up and connecting individuals with appropriate community supports.

The two MCRT teams consist of Vulnerable Sector Officers Cst. Matt Brush and Cst. Sam Dugas, working alongside Mental Health Professionals Shannon Griese and Lisa Wilson.

MCRT provides a multidisciplinary response to vulnerable individuals in crisis, ages 18 and older. By having a police officer and mental health professional respond together, the team can address both public safety concerns and the person’s individual needs.

A key goal of MCRT is to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in remaining safely in the community whenever possible, while ensuring they are connected to hospital-based care when absolutely necessary. Through de-escalation, assessment, follow-up visits and referrals to community partners, the teams work to address the underlying needs of individuals, connect them with appropriate supports and help prevent further calls for service.

The expansion to two teams increases the capacity of the CPS and the CCH to provide this specialized response throughout the community.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of early intervention and connecting individuals experiencing a crisis with appropriate supports.

The CPS and CCH encourage anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or concerned about someone else, to seek help and access available resources.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

For suicide crisis support in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline.

For local mental health crisis support in the Cornwall area, call the Local Crisis Line at 1-866-996-0991.

CPS MISSION: A trusted police service partnering with our community for a positive impact on safety and wellbeing in Cornwall.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rodney Wilson (#545)
Cornwall Police Service
wilson.r@cornwallpolice.com