Should Paramedics Take Mental Health Patients to Clinics Instead of ERs?

Official title: Alternate Destination Clinics - Mental Health and Addiction

Open Policy & Studies Health & Safety
Right now, when you call 911 for a mental health or addiction crisis, paramedics can only take you to the hospital emergency room. Waterloo Region wants to change that. They're exploring a new model where paramedics could bring eligible patients to a community clinic instead—a calmer, more specialized setting than a busy ER.

Why This Matters

Ever been to an ER during a mental health crisis? It's loud, chaotic, and you might wait hours. This could mean faster, more appropriate care for people in crisis. If you or someone you love has struggled with mental health or addiction, this directly affects your options when things get bad.

What Could Change

Paramedics responding to 911 calls could gain the authority to transport mental health and addiction patients to community clinics instead of emergency departments. This requires Ministry of Health approval and new funding. A steering committee is already working on funding applications and advocacy.

Key Issues

  • Should paramedics be allowed to take mental health patients to community clinics instead of hospital ERs?
  • How should the alternate destination clinic be designed to serve the community?

How to Participate

  1. Follow the project for updates by selecting the "+ Follow" button at the top of the consultation page.
  2. Contact ADC@regionofwaterloo.ca if you have questions or want to get involved in the project.
  3. Review the background documents including the August 2023 project update and opportunities based on CSWP consultations.

Submit Your Input

Draft Email

Key Documents