Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships
Ministry of the Solicitor General
25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1Y6
To Whom It May Concern,
On behalf of the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health, I would like to thank the Ministry of the Solicitor General for the funding and support provided through the Community Safety and Policing Grant over the last three years. This grant has allowed the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) to work collaboratively with the Windsor Police Service and the City of Windsor on the Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships (SSNAPP) initiative. Together, we have been able to make progress in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and improving community safety and well-being in Windsor.
Since April 2022, the SSNAPP initiative has enhanced support for mental health and substance use crises. Neighbourhood Safety Plans were developed for four high-priority postal codes (N9A, N8W, N8X, N8Y) with input from residents, businesses, and service providers. By January 2025, over 900 plans were distributed, and they were downloaded over 1,000 times. To date, nearly 73% of survey respondents feel confident about when to call emergency and non-emergency services due to these plans.
The SSNAPP initiative delivered 23 training workshops, equipping 764 local service providers with de-escalation and support skills for addiction and trauma. It also facilitated 11 community events, including overdose prevention sessions, and safety events with nearly 500 attendees. Amongst those who attended approximately 80% of surveyed participants reported a better understanding of community support and services.
Finally, the initiative supported the Windsor Police Service’s Nurse and Police Team, which responded to 2,432 calls from January 2024 to January 2025. This led to 524 referrals to substance use/mental health and social service providers, and 771 people diverted from the emergency department.
Although funding for the SSNAPP initiative ends on March 31, 2025, there are opportunities to build on its successes. With additional support, the initiative could expand Neighbourhood Safety Plans to other high-priority areas, sustain the Nurse and Police Team, and offer more tailored workshops for service providers.
On behalf of the Board of Health, I respectfully request your continued support to extend funding for the SSNAPP initiative. This support will sustain and expand these critical services, further strengthening community safety and well-being in Windsor and Essex County.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Fabio Costante, Chair
Windsor-Essex County Board of Health