An Amazing De-escelation Playbook From America's Top Programs

Today’s Brief:

• Briefs on De-Escelation

• Summit County SMART Team Wins National Crisis Response Award

• Pharmacists Embrace Mental-Health Interventions for Patients with Chronic Illness

• Social Briefs

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👮 Briefs on De-Escelation

Miami mental health hotline expands crisis response unit

A $2.2 million grant will enable the Freedom House Mobile Crisis Team in Miami‑Dade to operate seven days a week, responding to mental health emergencies via the 1‑866‑SAFEMIA hotline. The team—made up of medics, therapists, and crisis interventionists—handles callers and street outreach without involving police, aiming to de-escalate and connect individuals to care, and reduce involuntary psychiatric commitments under Florida’s Baker Act

New program aims to de-escalate youth crises without restraints

Over the next two years, staff at 22 psychiatric youth facilities will eliminate use of physical restraints and isolation for children and teens in crisis. Instead, team members will rely on cushioned pads, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed training to keep everyone safe while managing emergencies

Calhoun County officers recognized for de-escalation intervention

In Illinois, Calhoun County Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin were honored for a life‑saving intervention involving an individual in crisis near water. Using Crisis Intervention Team training, they negotiated for over 30 minutes—building rapport through personal stories—to safely bring the person ashore, secure their cooperation, and ensure they received care, all without force

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🧠 Summit County SMART Team Wins National Crisis Response Award

The Summit County Sheriff’s SMART program earned CommonSpirit Health’s 2025 Humankindness and Health Justice Award for its compassionate approach to mental health crises. The team pairs deputies, behavioral health specialists, and case managers to de-escalate incidents and provide in-place care. Before SMART launched in 2016, emergency rooms were overwhelmed with non-medical crises. In 2024, the team kept 87% of clients out of the ER through on-scene stabilization. Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons credited the program’s success to strong community partnerships. The award highlights SMART as a model for crisis response nationwide.

🧠 Pharmacists Embrace Mental-Health Interventions for Patients with Chronic Illness

A new study shows pharmacists are well-positioned to deliver mental health support to patients with long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Subthreshold depression and anxiety affect up to one-quarter of adults, with many progressing to full disorders if untreated. Pharmacists’ accessibility and trust make them ideal frontline providers to close mental health care gaps. Interviews in New Zealand revealed enthusiasm for offering brief, supportive interventions. The findings suggest integrating mental health into pharmacy practice could ease system strain and improve outcomes.