The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) are pleased to announce the enhancement of the Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (M-HEART) services. Thanks to generous funding from the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Enhancement Grant, a second M-HEART has been deployed for afternoon and evening coverage.
Since its inception in 2017, the M-HEART partnership has provided urgent mobile support to individuals and families in Northumberland County who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The expansion of this service will address growing community needs and ensure that mental health support is available outside of regular hours. A second M-HEART team is deployed during afternoons and evenings to offer vital assistance during the times when it is most needed.
“As health care providers, it’s critical for us to continue finding innovative ways to make care accessible for everyone, not only in our community, but surrounding catchment areas,” said NHH President and CEO Susan Walsh. “The expansion of M-HEART services will help us break down barriers to care and deliver support to those in need during a crisis situation.”
“M-HEART has already been a critical service in Cobourg and surrounding communities,” added Kate
Zimmerman, Vice President, Integrated Care and Chief Nursing Executive. “By expanding this service, we are making mental health care more accessible and ensuring residents receive the support they need in their time of crisis.”
The M-HEART team improves police interactions by fostering an integrated and proactive approach to mental health crises. This approach focuses on engagement, risk reduction, and connecting individuals with services right when they need it. The team is comprised of one officer from CPS and one mental health clinician from NHH Community Mental Health Services. Together, they engage directly with individuals experiencing mental health issues or substance use concerns.
This mobile outreach provides immediate intervention, helping to avoid escalation or involvement with the justice system. In addition, M-HEART works closely with partner organizations to provide comprehensive assessment, intervention, and referrals. This collaboration reduces the strain on emergency services and helps individuals navigate available resources.
By deploying a second team in the afternoon and evening hours, M-HEART will be able to offer continuous support throughout the day and into the evening, ensuring that help is available when it’s most needed.
“M-HEART is a unique and essential service that strengthens the mental health support network in
Northumberland,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service. “This expansion is a direct response to the increasing demand for mental health services, and it ensures that no one in our community falls through the cracks.”
The M-HEART program exemplifies the collaborative spirit that has been instrumental in improving mental health support in Northumberland County. This expansion will help better address community wellness and safety priorities, offering immediate support to individuals in crisis and mitigating barriers such as transportation and system navigation.
This partnership reaffirms the commitment of CPS and NHH to enhancing the mental health and safety of residents, helping reduce crisis situations, and improving overall community well-being.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
