'It's about saving lives': Pilot mental health crisis response program becomes permanent
A pilot project partnership between the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Shared Health to reduce the workload of emergency responders is now becoming a permanent resource available to help more people in mental health crisis.
The Alternative Response to Citizens in Crisis (ARCC) program began in December 2021, created in response to an increase in mental health-related police calls. The program sent plainclothes officers to non-criminal, non-emergent crises to better support the needs of those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Now, the Manitoba government is providing $414,000 to expand the program after a successful initial run. The money will pay for the program’s transition to an ongoing mental health intervention response.
"The funding will also be used to expand access to ARCC programming from 5 to 7 days a week," said Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Janice Morley-Lecomte.
The 18-month pilot project responded to 882 incidents related to 530 different clients. It's being credited with freeing up police resources and reducing pressure on emergency rooms. The province said 91 per cent of clients were able to remain in the community after treatment.
Insp. Helen Peters said the success of the ARCC program proves that a collaborative, multi-agency approach can work. "It's about saving lives and bringing hope back to situations that might feel hopeless," she said.
Peters added that ARCC is available to anyone who needs it.
- With files from CTV’s Michelle Gerwing
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.