Health Sciences North and police launch mobile crisis team

Health Sciences North has teamed up with city and Ontario police to bring a mobile rapid response crisis team to the Sudbury District.
Hospital spokesperson Natalie Aubin says the new team will pair officers with a hospital crisis worker to respond to emergencies reported through 911.
Greater Sudbury Police Inspector Sara Cunningham says in 2020, officers responded to 530 mental health-related calls with 264 apprehensions under the Mental Health Act and 489 hours spent in emergency departments.
Nipissing West OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Michael Maville adds the team will provide suitable on-site support services to persons in crisis while ensuring the safety of health care professionals.
He adds other police services and health care agencies in Ontario that have implemented similar teams have seen significant reductions in the number of people detained while experiencing a mental health crisis.