Advocates argue need for mental health emergency service [Video]

Khalil Dorival knows what it’s like to feel lonely.

The Toronto-based mental health advocate has struggled with social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

“I really suffered in silence, and I used many ways to cope in unhealthy and toxic ways,” he says, adding he turned his life around and uses his story to try to help others.

Dorival is a crisis worker with Toronto Community Crisis Service, a project launched in 2022 that responds to mental health crisis calls and wellness checks.

The service has been dubbed the city’s fourth emergency response service — after police, paramedics and fire services.

Other major cities are examining the benefits of an alternative model as they investigate police wellness checks that have led to fatalities.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has asked for the creation of an emergency service dedicated to mental health calls.

“There is an understanding across our nation and within Winnipeg that addictions are on the rise, mental health crises …