A medical professional will be part of a new Mobile Crisis Response Team to deal with crises in Elliot Lake.
Inspector Tyler Sturgeon, Commander at East Algoma Detachment says the city, the Counselling Centre of East Algoma and the OPP have teamed up to form the team.
He says a registered social worker will be embedded with the police and be available to respond to any crisis calls involving mental or addiction issues.
Sturgeon stresses this approach will assist police with having a mental health professional on the scene to provide the appropriate crisis response.
“We are elated to be entering into this partnership with the Counselling Centre of East Algoma and the City of Elliot Lake to deliver Mobile Crisis Response Team services that better meets the needs of our residents. Community well-being is everyone’s responsibility and the police rely on community partnerships such as this to collaborate and achieve our joint community safety and well-being goals. Through this partnership we will be better equipped to provide meaningful services to those experiencing mental health crises in the City of Elliot Lake”, adds Sturgeon.
“The Counselling Centre of East Algoma is thrilled to partner with the OPP to offer mobile crisis services within Elliot Lake. We are hopeful that the presence of our staff will augment the OPP’s response to those in crisis by providing residents with resources and links to services that will better meet their needs in the community. We are humbled to have been asked to work with the OPP for this very important and timely initiative”, says Shelley Watt-Proulx, Director, Counselling Centre of East Algoma.
Elliot Lake Mayor Dan Marchisella says he is thoroughly impressed at the steps that have been taken in the creation of this partnership both as the Mayor and a resident of the community.
“This will be an added service for Elliot Lake that ensures people are getting the help they need by community partners when the OPP arrive easing stress, for both our officers and those that they serve. Another initiative that is a perfect fit for our community. Thank you to all involved.” he said.
If you or someone you know are suffering from mental health or addictions issues and need support that is non-urgent and does not require police intervention, the OPP would like to remind you that there are many service providers in the City of Elliot Lake that are ready and able to assist you. To learn more about a wide range of service providers in the community, visit www.211ontario.ca or call 2-1-1.