Leamington Unveils New Safety Plan to Tackle Mental Health Issues

Police and health officials in Essex County have initiated a new neighbourhood safety plan in Leamington, responding to a rise in calls related to mental health and substance use. The plan is part of the broader Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships (SSNAPP) initiative, which involves cooperation between the Ontario Provincial Police, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, and the Windsor-Essex Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. Funding for this initiative comes from a Community Safety and Policing Grant.

The safety plan aims to enhance connections between residents and the appropriate support services. It provides guidelines for addressing situations such as opioid overdoses, mental health crises, road safety issues, and intimate partner violence. Jenny Brandt, manager of substance abuse prevention and harm reduction with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, emphasized the importance of navigating existing services effectively.

“Should someone observe an individual experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, this plan offers clear steps on what actions to take and whom to contact,” Brandt explained. She further noted that the plan outlines both emergency and non-emergency options, along with outreach services that extend beyond traditional policing.

Concerns raised during community engagement in Leamington highlighted issues such as road safety, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Inspector Chuck Lorway of the Essex County OPP reported an increase in mental health-related calls and incidents involving opioids in recent years. “We have seen a significant rise in Mental Health Act calls, along with more incidents related to opioids,” Lorway stated. He pointed out that investigations into opioid trafficking have also become more common.

The collaboration between frontline officers and mental health clinicians aims to de-escalate situations and provide individuals with treatment and social support options, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures. “People will receive proper treatment and support,” Lorway added. “Policing should be the last resort.”

In a statement, Superintendent Mark Loucas, detachment commander for the Essex County OPP, highlighted the initiative’s focus on a partnership-based approach to community safety. “Community safety is most effective when prevention, public health, municipalities, and policing work in harmony,” Loucas said.

MPP Trevor Jones, a former OPP officer, described the initiative as a significant evolution in addressing complex social challenges. “Police officers cannot tackle these difficult issues alone; they require collaboration from the entire community,” Jones stated.

Leamington’s Mayor, Hilda MacDonald, expressed that the plan provides residents with clearer guidance for situations that may not necessitate emergency intervention. “Sometimes, calling 911 is not required,” MacDonald said. “Now, residents have clear instructions on what to do, whether it involves vandalism, discrimination, or other concerns.”

Dr. Ken Blanchette, chief executive officer of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, reiterated that the plans are designed to ensure residents access the tools and resources they need to support themselves and their neighbours. “These safety plans will positively impact the health and well-being of our communities by providing essential resources,” Blanchette remarked.

Officials highlighted that the success of the initiative will rely heavily on community awareness and its ability to reduce repeat crisis calls while improving access to care. More detailed information about the Leamington safety plan, along with previously developed plans in Windsor and Essex, can be found at ssnapp.ca.