Mental health worker to partner with Maplewood police
Star TribuneFeb 02, 2021
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The
"We need to de-criminal mental health issues and this is the way to do it," said
About 900 of
Some people call 911 a dozen times or more per month describing emotional crisis including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, according to first responders.
In response,
The team reaches out to those frequent 911 callers who exhibit symptoms of mental illness and their families, offering to meet regularly to discuss how they can help. Sometimes, it is connecting people to services. Other times, it is encouraging them to stick to their already prescribed therapy and medication routines. In all cases, it is a calmer, safer opportunity to talk through issues than a panicked 911 call.
But there's a limit to the time and expertise police and paramedics to devote to case management, Mondor said.
This allows for a coordinated handoff to a county professional who can connect people with services and long-term case management, Mondor said.
Maplewood Public Safety Director
"The more you are dragging mentally ill people into the criminal justice system, it's a worse outcome for them and it's a worse outcome for our community," Nadeau said.
County commissioners praised the new partnership as communities across
"I think it's so critical to community health and community public safety," said Commissioner
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