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the establishment of an alternate, community-based, anti-racist, anti- colonial, non-police crisis response which was launched in a central Ottawa neighbourhood and called the Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR). This initiative, delivered by Centretown Community Health Centre, Somerset Community Health Centre with calls taken by Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario by calling 2-1-1, has had great impact since its launch in August, 2024.
was a rich and complex picture of Ottawa’s mental health and substance use health crisis system— its strengths, its gaps, and its opportunities for transformation. What we heard People told us that when they are in crisis, they are more likely to turn first to family and friends, rather than formal services, in part due to past trauma experienced at the hands of the police. Many described cycling in and out of crisis response without long- term support. They spoke of long wait times, both for immediate help and for follow-up care. Trust plays a major role in who people reach out to. Black and racialized participants said they often sought help from someone they already knew or from services that reflected their communities. Most people said they prefer not to call police, though some do turn to paramedics. Experiences with crisis lines were mixed; some people encountered empathy and care, while others felt dismissed or unheard. Participants described the ways their identities shaped their experiences in the system. As one participant said, “All of my experiences with the mental health system are coloured by the fact that I am Black.” From listening to action The consultations led to a Report and Strategy for Ottawa’s Mental Health and Substance Use Health Crisis Response, grounded in the realities of those most affected. The recommendations included
Toward community and systems change When the Guiding Council first began, its role was to offer thoughtful input into
strategy development. But as the work deepened, something else became clear: we cannot meaningfully address the mental health and substance use health crises in our city without pursuing systems change. This work is not only about fixing the system. It is about reclaiming our collective capacity to care for one another. It asks us to imagine a city where calling for help never means risking harm; where care is guided by compassion, not control; where we all have a role in building safety, equity, and belonging. The next steps for Ottawa include expanding the 24/7 community- based mental health and substance use health crisis response across the city and creating safer spaces for specific communities, including the Somali community of which Mr. Abdi was a part.
Dr. Sahada Alolo Co-Director, Ottawa Guiding Council for Mental Health and Addictions Secretariat
sahada-alolo comm.engagement@ multifaithhousing.ca
Liz Wigfull Co-Director, Ottawa Guiding Council for Mental Health and Addictions Secretariat
liz-wigfull Liz.Wigfull@cesoc.ca ottawagcmha.ca
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