More people in communities across this province who experience a mental-health crisis will have help available to them.
The provincial government has joined with the RCMP to establish additional mobile crisis response teams throughout the province.
These teams are already established in St. John’s, Corner Brook and Labrador West, in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Since forming in 2018-19, the teams have responded to more than 5,000 calls for service.
Additional teams are now available in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The Corner Brook team is also broadening to include the Bay of Islands, communities west to Gallants and to communities east to and including Deer Lake.
Mobile crisis response teams assist or intervene with a mental-health crisis in a person’s home or community. Members of the teams include a mental-health-care worker, such as a social worker or registered nurse, and a police officer, working together to respond to people in crisis.
Health and Community Services Minister Dr. John Haggie said the collaboration with community partners “helps break the stigma associated with mental health, and delivers supports to people who are experiencing challenges.”
Justice and Public Safety Minister Steve Crocker said, “By combining the strengths and expertise of health-care workers and police, mobile crisis teams can save lives.”
Assistant Commissioner Ches Parsons, commanding officer RCMP NL, said the initiative is “ground-breaking for the RCMP and will, undoubtedly, positively impact the communities and residents we serve and protect.”
All teams are available seven days a week, but hours of operation vary by region.