New Mobile Crisis Response initiative launches in Greater Moncton

Car 67 pairs a social worker with an RCMP officer for first-in-New Brunswick pilot

(MONCTON) – Horizon Health Network (Horizon) and Vitalité Health Network (Vitalité), in collaboration with Codiac Regional RCMP, have announced the launch of Car 67, a new Mobile Crisis Response Services initiative designed to provide early, compassionate support to strengthen community wellbeing.

The Car 67 program, named after the RCMP car number used in the original program in Surrey, B.C., pairs a social worker with an RCMP officer to conduct daytime patrols in Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. Working together in an unmarked vehicle, the team responds to situations involving individuals experiencing emotional distress, addiction and mental health challenges, or other complex psychosocial needs.

“Car 67 brings together the unique skills of highly trained social workers and experienced RCMP officers, creating a team that can respond effectively to complex situations in the community,” said Amy Whiting, Program Manager of Addiction and Mental Health Services at Horizon. “By combining clinical expertise with community-based policing expertise, we’re able to connect with individuals earlier, deliver timely interventions, and improve outcomes. Together, we’re strengthening the continuum of care and making a real difference in people’s lives.”

The initiative was created to assist RCMP officers when responding to addiction and mental health calls. Using a preventative, community-based approach, the team engages with the public, identifies situations of concern, and provides timely support when assistance is needed.

When appropriate, individuals may be transported to connect them with the most suitable addiction or mental health services and community resources.

Car 67 is the first program of its kind in New Brunswick, inspired by a similar community-centred model in British Columbia. It represents a shared commitment to innovative, collaborative service delivery grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred care.

Across Canada, programs like this have helped people access appropriate support more quickly, reduced unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and prevented situations from escalating to the point of requiring police intervention.

Beyond providing immediate support, the initiative also aims to reduce stigma, promote decriminalization, improve understanding of individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and strengthen collaboration between health services and police.

“This approach reflects our desire to expand outreach programs to meet people where they are,” said Valérie Saulnier, Interim Director of Adult Community Mental Health and Addiction Services at Vitalité. “It also demonstrates the RCMP’s commitment to adopting a collaborative approach and learning alongside its mental health and addiction services partners in order to provide interventions that are better suited to the needs of our vulnerable populations.”

“By working side by side with our mental health partners, we are able to provide more compassionate, timely, and effective support to individuals in crisis,” said Insp. Jonathan White, Officer in Charge of Operations, Codiac Regional RCMP. “This collaboration helps ensure that people receive the right care at the right moment and strengthens our shared ability to keep our communities safe and well. Our hope is that this model not only strengthens the support available here in Codiac but also becomes a framework that can be integrated into communities across New Brunswick. When we invest in collaborative, community-focused approaches, we build a safer, healthier province for everyone.”

The one-year pilot, launching March 11, is being delivered through a partnership between Horizon and Vitalité, in collaboration with the Codiac Regional RCMP, and with financial support from New Brunswick’s Department of Health. The Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation also provided funding to support mobile emergency response training.

Car 67 complements the Mobile Crisis Response Services initiatives currently offered by Horizon and Vitalité.

From left to right: RCMP Insp. Jonathan White; RCMP Const. Jonathan Gagnon; Nadine LeBlanc-Roy, Clinical Coordinator, Mobile Crisis Response Services; Angèle Basque, Interim Program Manager, Vitalité Health Network; and Amy Whiting, Program Manager, Horizon Health Network

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