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- Mental Health News: February 2025
Mental Health News: February 2025
Badges and Behavior Take a Deep Dive Into Mental Health Topics
Welcome to the third issue of Badges and Behavioral Health, where we delve into the intersection of law enforcement and behavioral health.
In this issue, you'll find three insightful articles that highlight the challenges, initiatives, and impacts with a focus on increasing accessibility of mental health services. Let's dive in! 🚀
Today’s Brief:
Improving Behavioral Health Accessibility
Horry County’s Crisis Intervention Efforts
Brooklyn Park Tackles Mental Health Calls
Bonus Brief: The BIGGEST ISSUE in Behavioral Health
San Diego County organizations have submitted 30 project proposals for mental health care and substance use treatment, totaling $580 million in construction costs. These proposals aim to create 4,000 additional beds for care. While not all proposals may receive funding, the variety of ideas has drawn praise. Award announcements are expected in May, with Proposition 1 providing over $6 billion for treatment statewide. Local organizations are dreaming big, with plans for residential treatment facilities and urgent care centers. The need for workforce expansion to support these new facilities is also highlighted. Despite the focus on treatment programs, there are no proposals for additional board and care beds in this round of funding.
The Horry County Police Department has launched a Crisis Intervention Team to provide resources for mental health and crisis incidents in the community. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional law enforcement and community members facing complex issues like mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse. The team has seen a significant increase in calls each month, highlighting the growing need for such services. The department plans to expand the team to continue offering vital resources and improving the quality of life for community members.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department has expanded its Alternative Response Team (ART) to better respond to 911 callers experiencing mental health issues. Inspector Elliot Faust announced the addition of a second team, allowing for expanded operating hours. Through the ART model, social workers and health professionals respond to calls related to mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, and other social service needs. The team aims to resolve issues on-site to prevent repeat calls to 911. Faust noted a decline in mental health calls since the program's implementation, highlighting the importance of the team's support for officers.
In Partnership with:
JULOTA
Julota empowers smarter crisis responses by simplifying and streamlining Law Enforcement and Behavioral Health programs. By integrating hospital, EMS, and social services data into a centralized platform, it enables seamless, secure, and HIPAA-compliant collaboration. Automated reporting ensures compliance, while customizable workflows address community-specific needs. With actionable insights, teams can improve outcomes and secure greater funding, making Julota the only software purpose-built to bridge law enforcement and behavioral health with compassion and efficiency.
Bonus Brief
Fire organizations urged to assess and enhance behavioral health programs to better support members and prevent tragedies.
We hope you found this issue of Badges and Behavioral Health informative and insightful. Remember, understanding the intersection of law enforcement and behavioral health is crucial for improving our communities. Thanks for reading!