This new model launched last year calls for a team of civilians, rather than police, to be dispatched when a mental health crisis is reported to 911, 211, or one of the four partner community agencies this pilot project (New window).
Torontonian Asante Haughton believes early statistics from the project prove that community teams are able to respond to the vast majority of mental health emergencies, without the police having to intervene.
He is delighted with these results, he who has long campaigned for these teams to be set up in Toronto following having lived and seen several police interventions for mental health crises.
« It can be really scary to come face to face with the police when you’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. »
He says he had panic attacks due to his anxiety issues.
Asante Haughton is co-founder of the Reach Out Response Network, which advocates for community organizations to respond to mental health crises.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Susan Goodspeed
He thinks back to his concerns when the police intervened.: Am I in trouble? Will the police listen to what I have to say?”,”text”:”When you see the police, you think there is a danger, a threat, that a crime has taken place. We ask ourselves: am I in trouble? Will the police listen to what I have to say?”}}”>When you see the police, you think there is a danger, a threat, that a crime has taken place. We ask ourselves: am I in trouble? Will the police listen to what I have to say?
Civilian teams feel more like they’re there to help
he concludes.
Toronto police say they respond to some 33,000 mental health-related calls each year.
His critics, however, question the relevance of police interventions in the majority of mental health crises.
The death of several citizens of the Greater Toronto Area while in distress – Regis Korchinski-Paquet, D’Andre Campbell in particular – was a catalyst for these changes undertaken by the City.
The Aboriginal organization 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations is one of four organizations mandated by the City of Toronto to respond to emergency calls for mental health crises.
The program director for the organization, Saige McMahonclaims that the feedback from users of the service is excellent. They say it’s like a hug from a loved one who comes to support them.
The organization explains that its team is made up of 30 people who take turns to be able to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Keith McCrady and Saige McMahon are responsible for the pilot project for 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Teams of two to four responders are dispatched to each call. A second vehicle takes care of following up with patients who have already contacted the service.
This follow-up work following the initial call is just as essential, insists Saige McMahon. continuum. When someone is in crisis, they also need long-term support, for housing, education, work.”,”text”:”What we heard from the community is that this service cannot be a single interaction. It must be a continuum. When someone is in crisis, they also need long-term support, for housing, education, work.”}}”>What we heard from the community is that this service cannot be a one-time interaction. It must be a continuum. When someone is in crisis, they also need long-term support, for housing, education, work.
The workers of 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations are also people from the community, who have had some of the same experiences as the clients they serve and who have a cultural connection
with them, note Keith McCradydirector of the organization. We have this element that is special and unique for Aboriginal people.
Plans d’expansion
The director responsible for the pilot project at the City of Toronto, Denise Andrea Campbellis also satisfied with the first results of the program.
However, she admits that work needs to be done to publicize the program in the neighborhoods where the service exists.
This is Toronto’s fourth emergency service, so Torontonians should know it’s available
she explains, adding that an awareness campaign will soon be launched.
Denise Andrea Campbell is the General Manager of the City of Toronto’s Social Development, Finance and Administration Division
Photo : Radio-Canada / Tina Mackenzie
According to her, the service is available in regarding 60% of the City of Toronto. However, the pilot project might be expanded. We know there is an urgent need for this service to be accessible everywhere in Toronto, and we will make it happen. But we’re getting there by building the strongest foundation possible first.
summarizes Denise Andrea Campbell.
She points out that more and more North American cities are exploring this type of model.
A full report is expected by City Council in the fall. The elected officials might then decide to extend the service to the whole of the metropolis.
