Behavioral Health in The US Military

From Ontario to the United States Military, These Stories Reveal the Growing Momentum Behind Behavioral Health Reformation of Public Safety and Mental Wellness.

April 30, 2025

In this edition, we’re highlighting behavioral health initiatives targeted at military officials and their families. We’ll also go in-depth on statewide expansions, crisis intervention efforts, and community-based programs that are redefining public safety and mental wellness.

From rural Ontario to the heart of North Carolina, these stories reveal the growing momentum behind behavioral health reform.

Let’s jump into it:

Today’s Brief:

  • Behavioral Health Briefs

  • North Carolina’s Alternatives to Incarceration

  • Almaguin Region Launches Mobile Crisis Response Team

  • Social Media Briefs

Total Read Time: 2 Minutes

🧠 Behavioral Health Briefs:

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Cade Crenshaw, a behavioral health technician at Naval Hospital Bremerton, is helping service members stay mission-ready by providing mental health support. Through a growing Navy mental health program, Crenshaw and his team offer individual therapy, lead support groups, and work to eliminate stigma around seeking help. His work highlights the military’s increasing emphasis on mental health as a key part of operational readiness.

As part of a broader push for youth wellness, Ohio is now delivering mental health services to students in every county. This marks the first time such programming has achieved full statewide coverage for children and teens.

Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital (BJACH) is strengthening support for military children and families through its “Strong Families, Strong Future” campaign. The program includes mental health services tailored to the unique stressors faced by military kids, emphasizing resilience and holistic family wellness.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $6.5 million to programs that offer alternatives to incarceration—aiming to break the cycle of criminalization tied to behavioral health. Funding will support initiatives that address root causes such as substance use, trauma, and untreated mental illness.

These community-based programs prioritize treatment over punishment, offering both clinical support and wraparound services. The investment comes as part of a broader strategy to reduce jail populations while promoting health equity. With strong backing from state leaders, the effort could serve as a national model for diversion-focused policy.

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.

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In rural Ontario, the Almaguin Mobile Crisis Response Team is stepping in to close a long-standing gap between law enforcement and mental health care. The new program pairs mental health professionals with OPP officers to provide in-person support during 911 calls involving behavioral health issues.

Previously, police were often the only responders available, leaving those in crisis with few options for appropriate care. Since launching, the program has been met with relief from officers and gratitude from the community.

“They really needed something like this,” said a local resident, reflecting the strong demand for alternatives that prioritize compassion and clinical care. It’s a promising step forward for rural mental health response in Canada.

Social Media Briefs

Thank you for reading Badges and Behavioral Health.

We’ll return next issue with more frontline updates, policy shifts, and program highlights. Until then—stay informed, stay safe, and stay connected.

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