Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)
MCRT is a partnership between Barrie Police and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
The Barrie Police Service and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) are proud to announce the launch of a joint Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) in the city of Barrie.
Barrie Police Service Constable Guy Peters will join Nicole Barbour, an RVH Crisis Worker in responding to 911 calls for mental health concerns and addictions as well as persons in crisis. Currently the team is working in a six-month pilot project that began on Monday, July 25.
“The Barrie Police Service is excited to be a part of this new partnership with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, that will help us better assist persons in crisis in our community,” says Barrie Police Service Deputy Chief Wyllie Allan. “The unique partnership of the MCRT will allow for a front-line, client-focused approach that can provide the resources and response that are needed.”
The introduction of the MCRT will reduce the need for frontline officers to respond to mental health calls for service, and more specifically, those calls for a person in crisis requiring immediate assistance. This MCRT brings with them years of enhanced training, acute care experience and risk assessment abilities as well as existing contacts with emergency department physicians and psychiatrists that will prove invaluable when working with members of the community experiencing a mental health crisis.
“By pairing an RVH Crisis Worker with an experienced police officer, this team aims to reduce or eliminate the need for additional assessment at our Emergency department. The MCRT will connect individuals in crisis with alternative and more appropriate community supports,” says Carrie Stoner, Interim Manager, Integrated Crisis Services, RVH. “We anticipate the MCRT will help prevent future calls for service from persons in crisis to both patrol and paramedics and will assist the individuals navigate through a complex and often confusing mental healthcare system.”
Cst. Guy Peters has worked in a variety of roles within the Barrie Police, most recently as a member of the Crisis Outreach And Support Team (COAST). An officer with Barrie Police Service since 2010, Cst. Peters has developed an extensive knowledge of various programs and community resources available, making him an invaluable resource for members of the community and fellow officers. Cst. Peters is passionate member of the Service and is committed to establishing meaningful relationships with our community partners and helping those individuals experiencing mental illness and who are in crisis
Nicole Barbour has been an integral part of the RVH Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) since August 2019. In addition to being an experienced and well-respected member of the Crisis team in RVH’s Emergency department, she brings years of experience from the community in both children’s and adult mental health, seniors health, system navigation, home and community care and Collaborate Barrie.
The development of an MCRT has been in development since November 2021. This MCRT pilot project continues to re-establish a collaborative partnership between the Barrie Police Service and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre with the shared goals of minimizing police and hospital interactions through enhanced de-escalation, crisis assessment as well as intervention and triage options for follow up supports.
Mental Health Resources
Recognizing signs of mental health struggles in yourself and others can be difficult. Different people may have different ways of coping with their mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is acting out of character and you have concerns, please reach out to available resources.
Mental Health during COVID
The Canadian Association for Mental Health (CAMH) has provided resources and information for those who may be struggling with their mental health during the COVID pandemic, or who have loved ones who may be struggling.
Please visit the CAMH website for more information, and please reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance.
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
- Alzheimer's Society
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Chalmers App
- Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Ontario 211
alzheimer.ca/SimcoeCounty
Behind every person with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are hundreds of people dedicated to helping. The Alzheimer Society is the leading not-for-profit health organization working nationwide to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and advance the search for the cause and cure. Active in communities right across Canada, the Society has programs and services near you.
Since 1978, we’ve been dedicated to providing help for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their caregivers. That help comes in many ways.
suicideprevention.ca
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) was launched in 1985 by a group who saw the need to provide information and resources to communities to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. Like many others, CASP envisions a world in which people enjoy an optimal quality of life, are long-living, socially responsible, and optimistic about the future.
CASP’s ultimate purpose is to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. We continue to be a touchstone for everyday Canadians and members of the media who want resources, guidance, and education.
cmha.ca
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs, and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
With one national office, 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches/regions, we provide services and supports to over 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers.
camh.ca
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.
With a dedicated staff of more than 3,000 physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators and support staff, CAMH offers outstanding clinical care to more than 34,000 patients each year. The organization conducts groundbreaking research, provides expert training to health care professionals and scientists, develops innovative health promotion and prevention strategies, and advocates on public policy issues at all levels of government. And through our Foundation, we’re working to raise tens of millions of additional dollars to fund new programs and research and augment services.
barrie.chalmers.app
Find free meals, overnight shelter, drop-ins, free clothes, and more homeless help near you, in the City of Barrie, in real-time, and available 24/7.
This web-based app can help connect you with exactly the resources you need.
MentalHealthCommission.ca
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. Through its unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments as well as organizations in the implementation of sound public policy.
The MHCC’s current mandate aims to deliver on priority areas identified in the Mental Health Strategy for Canada in alignment with the delivery of its strategic plan.
The MHCC’s staff, Board, and Advisory Committees all share the same goal – creating a better mental health system for Canadians.
mhfa.ca
Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Just like physical first aid is provided until medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate support is found or until the crisis is resolved.
211Ontario.ca
211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthen Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians become more engaged with their communities.