Police, fire or ambulance? Winnipeg launching 4th option for 911 mental health calls
City council agreed to begin developing the Winnipeg Community Crisis Response Model, which aims to better help those who call 911 with mental health and addictions concerns.
Winnipeg, Manitoba is set to introduce a fourth emergency response pathway for 911 mental health calls, aiming to alleviate the strain on police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the approval of the Winnipeg Community Crisis Response (WCCR) Model by city council, which will handle calls that do not require immediate first responder services.
The WCCR team will only be activated after dispatch has triaged the individual, potentially diverting 10,000 calls from emergency services. The model's development is ongoing, with potential refinements during a working table between the City of Winnipeg and the Manitoba government. The Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) has endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of communication among agencies to provide the best support.
The model has been tested in Toronto, where it became an official fourth emergency service in 2024. Mental health professionals argue that immediate crisis response, combined with long-term support, is crucial for preventing future crises and respecting individuals' dignity.
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