Lakeridge Health and Durham Region Partners Establish Committee to Strengthen Mental Health Crisis Care

DURHAM REGION – September 24, 2026 – Lakeridge Health, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) have established the Durham Region Police-Hospital Committee, bringing local health-care and first responder partners together to strengthen how people experiencing mental health and addictions-related crises are supported when accessing emergency care.

The committee will focus on the transition of care that occurs when police bring a person to a Lakeridge Health emergency department for mental health assessment and treatment. Through regular collaboration, the partners will work to promote clear, consistent, and person-centred processes that support safety, privacy, dignity, human rights, and compliance with applicable legislation.

“People experiencing a mental health or addictions-related crisis deserve a compassionate and coordinated response throughout their journey into care,” said Tabitha Carroll, Health System Executive, Clinical, Lakeridge Health. “This committee creates a dedicated forum for health-care providers, police, and paramedic services to work through challenges together and strengthen local practices. Effective coordination helps protect the dignity and safety of the person receiving care and creates a safer, more supportive environment for health-care providers and first responders.”

The committee will provide an ongoing forum for partners to review emerging issues, identify opportunities to improve local practices, coordinate joint education and training, and evaluate the effectiveness of police-hospital transition processes over time. This work will also help partners identify and address barriers that may affect timely and appropriate access to care.

Leadership representatives from Lakeridge Health, DRPS, OPP, and RDPS will participate on the committee. Patient and Family Advisors and other community partners may also be invited to contribute their perspectives and expertise as appropriate.

“Police officers are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions-related crisis, making strong coordination between emergency responders and health-care providers essential to ensuring people receive the appropriate supports, treatment, and care they need,” said Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service. “This committee provides an important forum for partners to work together, share expertise, and address challenges in how people transition into care. By strengthening these processes, we can help create a safer, more consistent, and compassionate experience for individuals in crisis, as well as for the health-care providers and first responders supporting them.”

“Paramedics are often among the first health-care professionals to support someone experiencing a mental health or addictions-related crisis,” said Troy Cheseboro, Chief, Region of Durham Paramedic Services. “Having a forum where health-care providers and first responder partners can openly discuss processes, share expertise, and identify opportunities for improvement will help strengthen continuity of care across Durham Region.”

Supporting individuals in crisis requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to compassionate care," said Inspector Jennifer Neamtz, Detachment Commander, Toronto Detachment, OPP. "Through the collaborative efforts of the OPP, Durham Regional Police Service, Region of Durham Paramedic Services, and Lakeridge Health, we are creating a more coordinated and person-centered approach that promotes dignity, respect, and timely access to the supports people need. Together, we are strengthening outcomes for individuals in crisis while enhancing the experience for both our communities and frontline responders."

Through the Durham Region Police-Hospital Committee, the partner organizations are reinforcing their shared commitment to improving the experience of people in crisis, strengthening access to appropriate care, and supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Durham Region residents.

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About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health.

For more information, please contact:

Lakeridge Health Strategic Communications Media
communications@lh.ca