MANITOULIN ISLAND —In a strategic move toward improving emergency mental health care across Manitoulin Island, the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police Service has donated a dedicated crisis response vehicle to the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT). The MCRRT represents a collaborative effort which is led by Health Sciences North (HSN) in partnership with both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service. The newly repurposed vehicle, which is now operational, is already assisting in enhancing the safety and efficiency of the MCRRT team’s responses to individuals in mental health distress across the Island’s diverse communities.
The MCRRT team pairs police officers with trained mental health professionals to provide immediate, on-site support during mental health crises. This new community-based response model emphasizes timely assessments, the use of crisis de-escalation techniques, and directing in making direct connections to long-term community resources for those in need. By providing alternatives to traditional approaches to such situations, these approaches aim to reduce reliance on hospital emergency departments and formal apprehensions under the Mental Health Act.
“The donation of this crisis response vehicle by the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is a powerful example of partnership in action,” said Pete VanVolkingburgh, a registered psychotherapist with Health Sciences North and one of the MCRRT’s frontline mental health responders. “This will significantly enhance our ability to provide timely, compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges across the six UCCMM First Nation communities and along the Highway 6 corridor.”
The inspiration for this partnership comes from a recent increase that demonstrated a need for new and dynamic interventions. In 2024 alone, the MCRRT team was dispatched to 884 calls for its unique service. This substantial number of calls serves as proof of the ongoing need for accessible crisis services in Manitoulin and the dedication of its frontline responders. Mr. VanVolkingburgh and his colleague Nick Bateman, a registered social worker, have been instrumental in responding to these calls, often meeting individuals during their most vulnerable and challenging moments.
Until recently, both Mr. VanVolkingburgh and Mr. Bateman relied on their personal vehicles to respond to emergency calls. While enabling them to reach locations needing urgent assistance swiftly, this informal arrangement came with a host of challenges. Although they were reimbursed for mileage and fuel expenses, using personal cars raised significant practical issues, ethical dilemmas and safety concerns. The unpredictability of emergency situations, combined with the personal nature of their vehicles, often led to questions about liability and accountability, adding layers of complexity to their commendable dedication to service.
“We donated a vehicle to the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team because we recognized the level of dedication from the two workers, Pete and Nick,” said UCCM Police Chief James Killeen. “These guys work tirelessly, and they’re deeply committed to our communities’ mental health and well-being. Our officers and staff have much respect for them. Until now, they were using their own personal vehicles to respond to calls, and while they were reimbursed for mileage and gas, that just didn’t sit right with us. We wouldn’t expect our own officers to use their personal cars on duty, especially when responding to high-stress, unpredictable situations. So why should we expect that of our crisis response partners?”
Recognizing the pressing need for effective community safety and seizing the moment to make a meaningful impact, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service sprang into action. With a profound understanding of the challenges faced by their community and a commitment to fostering trust and collaboration, they embraced this opportunity to make a decisive difference. Through thoughtful engagement and proactive measures, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service demonstrated its dedication to serving and protecting the community it upholds.
Police Chief Killeen explained, “We looked at our resources and realized we had an older vehicle in our fleet that could be refurbished. It fit within our budget, and we were able to donate it to support the work Pete and Nick are doing on the ground. This move strengthens their capacity to deliver immediate, community-based mental health support, especially in those critical moments when someone is in crisis.”
The newly designated crisis vehicle ensures that MCRRT responders have reliable, properly equipped transportation when attending scenes often involving high emotional intensity, trauma, or potential danger. It also reflects a larger shift in policing and health care, which recognizes that many calls for service involve complex social dynamics. Most often, these complex calls involve mental health needs that require a response beyond traditional law enforcement approaches and training.
“What we’re seeing more and more is that mental health calls don’t always need a badge and a gun. Rather, they need someone trained to de-escalate, to listen, to connect people to care before it becomes a crisis,” said Police Chief Killeen. “Having mental health professionals involved early can stop a situation from ever becoming a police matter. That’s the real goal here: to meet people where they’re at, with the right kind of help, before things spiral. It keeps our officers focused on public safety, and it gives people a better chance at real support.”
The MCCRT is not an initiative unique to Manitoulin Island. Similar models are being implemented across Ontario, and measurable decreases in formal apprehensions have been reported under the Mental Health Act. In addition, these kinds of interventions have already resulted in statistically significant reductions in emergency department visits and repeat calls for service from those in need of proper mental health assistance. The evidence points to a clear conclusion that the incorporation of mental health workers into frontline police response leads to better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Mr. VanVolkingburgh emphasized that ongoing partnerships between police services and mental health professionals are foundational measures which ensure the success of such programs. “We are incredibly proud to work alongside our policing partners on Manitoulin Island. This donation ensures we can continue delivering high-quality, responsive care, and we are deeply grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown by both the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.”
This local partnership, and others like these, reflect the growing and ongoing commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care in policing and emergency response. By being present in the community at large in homes, schools and public spaces, the MCRRT can intervene early, stabilize situations, and help individuals avoid the stigma and disorientating nature of emergency room visits or police custody. This kind of programming is crucial in rural and Indigenous communities, where access to mental health services is often limited by geography, funding, or other potential systemic barriers people in these communities might face.
“As a police service, we recognize that mental health crises require a specialized response,” Police Chief Killeen said. “Our donation reflects our deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with Health Sciences North and our partners to provide care that meets people where they are, with the dignity and support they deserve.” Working in collaboration, these partners are blazing a new path forward in emergency crisis response. One that prioritizes compassion emphasizes coordination and facilitates care and positive outcomes for all of those they serve.
by Ed Prudhomme
