OPP Dryden - Acadia File Photo

The Ontario government is providing $113,419 to the Dryden detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police to provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program which is designed to help give police access to trained crisis workers to respond to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor.

Supported by the police, crisis workers can assess if an individual should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and/or provide referrals to community programs that support mental and physical well-being.

“This enhancement grant funding for the Mobile Crisis Response Team will ensure the Dryden OPP has the proper training and resources to safely and effectively assist those experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River, Greg Rickford.

In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.

The Mobile Crisis Response Teams Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system.