New mobile crisis response team launched in Sarnia

A new emergency response team designed to de-escalating high-pressure mental health situations was launched in Sarnia last week.

A new emergency response team designed to de-escalating high-pressure mental health situations was launched in Sarnia last week.

The Mental Health Engagement and Response Team, or MHEART, is a mobile crisis intervention team of nurses specializing in mental health care that will work with Sarnia Police, the OPP and Bluewater Health.

The goal is to improve the experience of people in crisis who come into contact with police, the province said.

Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott made the announcement at the hospital on Aug. 9, along with Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Michael Tibollo.

It coincided with the unveiling of a new police-hospital transition framework meant to help patients in crisis access timely care.