Toronto pilot project will see specialists responding to crisis calls instead of police

The pilot, which will operate in specific areas of the city to begin with, will include mobile teams that are trained in crisis support. These teams will be made up of community health nurses, crisis counsellors, harm reduction specialists and peer workers. Initially, the service will operate 24 hours a day six days a week. As the pilot proceeds, seven-day operations will be rolled out. People in crisis will reach the service by dialing 911, where the call will be triaged so the most suitable emergency team responds. The teams will respond to substance abuse and anxiety attack calls. The service will also provide case management support, including follow-ups, primary care, referrals, holistic support, trauma counselling, housing and some other individualized supports.