Leamington Launches Safety Plan Addressing Mental Health Issues

In response to a rising number of service calls related to mental health and substance use, the town of Leamington has introduced a new neighbourhood safety plan. This initiative aims to better connect residents with appropriate support services. The plan is part of the Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships (SSNAPP) program, a collaborative effort involving the Ontario Provincial Police, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, and the Windsor-Essex Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. It is funded through a Community Safety and Policing Grant.

The safety plan provides guidance on how to handle various situations, including opioid overdoses, mental health crises, road safety concerns, and intimate partner violence. According to Jenny Brandt, manager of substance abuse prevention and harm reduction at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the initiative is designed to improve residents’ navigation of existing services.

“If something happens on the street, someone sees someone who’s experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis, these plans are really steps on what to do, who to call in various situations,” Brandt explained. She emphasized that the plan offers both emergency and non-emergency options, including outreach services that extend beyond policing.

Community engagement in Leamington identified several concerns, including road safety, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Inspector Chuck Lorway of the Essex County OPP noted a significant increase in mental health-related calls and opioid incidents in recent years. “Over the last few years, there’s been an increasing number of Mental Health Act calls for service, as well as calls associated with opioids,” he stated, adding that investigations into opioid trafficking have also become more frequent.

The integration of frontline officers with clinicians and crisis workers is a key aspect of the plan. Lorway believes that this approach can help de-escalate situations and connect individuals with necessary treatment and social supports rather than solely relying on law enforcement. “People are going to be getting proper treatment, they’re going to be getting proper supports,” he explained. “Policing is usually the last resort.”

Community-Centric Approach to Safety

The initiative reflects a broader shift towards partnership-based responses in community safety. Superintendent Mark Loucas, detachment commander for the Essex County OPP, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Community safety is strongest when prevention, public health, municipalities, and policing work together,” he stated.

M.P.P. Trevor Jones, a former OPP officer, described the initiative as an “evolution.” He highlighted that policing alone cannot adequately address complex social challenges. “Police officers can’t do the difficult job they have on their own. They need everyone to help,” Jones remarked.

Leamington’s Mayor Hilda MacDonald noted that the plan offers residents clearer direction in situations that may not necessitate emergency intervention. “Sometimes you don’t need to call 911,” MacDonald stated. She emphasized that the plan provides residents with guidance on how to respond to various issues, including vandalism, discrimination, and racism. “Now you’ve got direction and instructions as to what to do.”

Expected Outcomes and Community Engagement

Dr. Ken Blanchette, chief executive officer of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, expressed confidence that the safety plans will positively impact community well-being. “These safety plans will ensure that residents have access to the tools and resources they need to support themselves and their neighbours,” he said.

Officials indicated that the success of the initiative will depend on community awareness and its ability to reduce repeat crisis calls while improving connections to care. More information about the Leamington safety plan, along with previously developed plans in Windsor and Essex, is available online at ssnapp.ca.