Nurse-Police Teams Reach Out to Street

Toronto Police Downtown Community Outreach & Response (CORE) Team is averaging over 200 interactions with vulnerable groups in the Yonge & Dundas St. area since the one-year pilot started last December.

“The reception has been great,” said Staff Sergeant Ouellette. “We have positive stories coming back daily. Part of what the CORE is doing is offering long-term case management solutions to some of the clients.”

In collaboration with Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police, Downtown CORE is led by a team of public health nurses who offer on-the-ground community outreach and access to health and social services and Toronto Police Officers who support these efforts, ensuring safety.

“Empathy and kindness are at the core of what we do,” said Constable Sean James. “That is what we are doing by reaching out to the people who are under-housed and need our help.”

The initiative was designed to address vulnerable individuals’ complex health, mental health, substance use and housing needs.

“We go up to meet clients who are on the street and we offer them supplies that include harm reduction and warm clothing,” said Benji who is a nurse with the team. “Once we do that, we get to know them and we introduce our program which is ongoing case management. A lot of the time, that includes getting into a shelter and getting on a housing list.”

Downtown CORE client Tara was hesitant about accepting the program.

“When I finally opened the door to them, I am glad I did,” she said, “They have been awesome. As I spread the word to other people about what they are doing, I see team members treating them for open wounds and sores.”

Constable Jamie Schertzer said the program reflects the Chief’s commitment to the community.

“We are here to bridge that gap between policing, mental health, our health care system and the under-housed,” she added.

Jonathan John, the Downtown CORE Team Mental Health Manager, said the program creates hope for people that might feel they have little hope.

“We are doing that by removing barriers, creating access to care and ultimately creating healthier communities for everyone,” he said.