Orillia's Mobile Crisis Response Team to receive $240,000 from province

The province is providing $240,000 over two years to Orillia's Mobile Crisis Response Team to support police working with trained crisis workers during mental health calls.

Orillia's Mobile Crisis Response Team will receive $240,000 from the provincial government. The funding is allocated over two years, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop said in a news release. The team is led by the Orillia OPP and pairs police with trained crisis workers to support people experiencing mental health crises. Officials described the funding as a way to help officers de-escalate situations and connect individuals with services more quickly. Key details: - The province is providing $240,000 to the Orillia Mobile Crisis Response Team over two years. - The team is led by the Orillia OPP and works with trained crisis workers during mental health-related calls. - Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop announced the funding and said it aims to integrate mental health professionals into front-line response. - Insp. Todd Landon of the Orillia OPP welcomed the announcement and emphasized care and compassion in supporting people in crisis. - The funding is part of the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant, under which about $9 million will be distributed to 36 police services and OPP detachments in 2025-26 and 2026-27. Summary: This funding is intended to support the integration of mental health professionals into front-line responses, helping officers de-escalate situations and connect people with supports, according to officials. The $240,000 covers two years and is part of a broader provincial grant that will allocate about $9 million to 36 services in 2025-26 and 2026-27. Undetermined at this time.