New pilot project adds a critical component to crisis response services in Peel Region

BY PAUL JUNOR

Diverse stakeholders welcomed the announcement of a new pilot program that will contribute to better crisis response in the Peel Region on Thursday, September 29^th.

It is a result of a collaboration between: the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, Peel Regional Police, Punjabi Community Health Services and Roots Community Services. As a result of this new initiative, individuals who are going through a crisis and call Peel Regional Police are able to obtain support from trained caseworkers, instead of police officers. The response of crisis workers to mental health calls means that these individuals will be able to get appropriate help without the intervention of Peel Regional Police officers.

David Smith, CEO of CMHA Peel Dufferin states in the press release, “The goal is to have a mental health response to a mental health call. The intention is to reduce stigma and the criminalization of mental health and addictions. By offering appropriate clinical interventions and connections to resources in the community, we will help reduce emergency room utilization and free up officers for appropriate police calls.”

The pilot program is one year in duration and will involve a team of two crisis workers who will be available from Monday to Sunday for 12 hours periods whenever there is a 911 call for a mental health crisis and addiction situations that do not warrant police involvement.

Employees from CMHA Peel Dufferin, PCHS, and Roots Community Services will be part of the team of crisis workers. This is necessary to ensure that they are reflective of the communities that are impacted. The team members will be available to see the individuals after the crisis has subsided for a follow-up to ensure that continuity of services is maintained. Adequate training and tools will be provided to these team members to ensure that they are able to provide appropriate mental health help and de-escalate crisis situations.

Solicitor General Kerzner states in the press release, “Mental health matters, and the government supports providing the appropriate mental health and addictions response in crisis situations. We must continue to work together to develop innovative and effective approaches to keep Ontario safe.”

Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of the Peel Regional Police notes in the press release, “To help ensure appropriate community resources are provided. Peel Regional Police will also have a third crisis worker in our communications centre to provide support, education and an immediate response to callers inquiring or requesting a mental health or addiction response. This program reinforces our commitment to multi-system approaches to community safety and well-being. We are grateful to collaborate with these invaluable partners to support mental health in our community.”

Baldev Mutta, CEO of the PCHS states in the press release, “Punjabi Community Health Services is a proud partner with CMHA Peel Dufferin on several mental health projects. Together we are looking at providing culturally competent services to diverse communities. It has become evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities in healthcare, and these organizations are joining hands to address them.”

Angela Carter, Executive Director of Roots Community Services writes in the press release, “We are excited for Roots Community Services to be involved in this important pilot with our partners. As an organization that focuses on the Black, African and Caribbean communities, we see this pilot as a critical response that will help to address the issue of individuals who need mental health support in our community.”

This program will make a difference in Peel and could have prevented the death of Ejaz Choudry and D’Andre Campbell who were in crisis and were later killed by PRP.