The Russell County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Hawkesbury General Hospital (HGH) have partnered up to create the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), a rapid response unit comprised of police and paramedics that will support those experiencing mental health and/or addiction-related crises. These include individuals with symptoms of mental illness, substance abuse, behavioural disorders, or people in acute crisis situations.

The MCRT will provide timely and appropriate crisis intervention five days a week by sending both police and a mental health professional to support on scene. After the call has concluded, the team will continue to support the individual in question and will also submit referrals to applicable agencies in Prescott-Russell. This continued support is meant to decrease repeat calls for service, police apprehensions, emergency department wait times, and police engagements, as well as coordinate access to mental health services.

Mental health services are available to Russell County residents through HGH’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line 1-866-996-0991 or 613-722-6914.