The Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (M-HEART), a collaboration between the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) is expanding.
A second M-HEART has been deployed for afternoon and evening coverage thanks to funding from the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Enhancement Grant.
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.
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 and provide 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.”
