New Mental Health Response Unit created by North Bay OPP and Local CMHA

It’s a move that officials say will improve wait times for people in distress and improve options for care when it comes to calls involving addictions and mental health.

The North Bay OPP and Nipissing Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association have created a new Mental Health Response unit.

It’s one of only a few across the province.

The new service allows for a Mental Health Justice Worker to work alongside OPP officers.

Funding for the program comes from the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and Nipissing District Social Services Administration Board‘s Healthy Communities Fund.

The agencies anticipate rural residents will also benefit from improved access to community based care, since the program will facilitate access to local services.

“The North Bay Detachment is extremely proud to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Nipissing Regional Branch, on the newly established Mental Health Response Unit. The goal of this initiative is to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities policed by the OPP by providing quality and timely access to care. The OPP’s Mental Health Strategy; Our People, Our Communities, outlines our priority of improving outcomes for people with mental health issues, and this program is a significant step in making this a reality”, says Staff Sergeant Laura Houliston, Detachment Commander for North Bay OPP Detachment.