A collaborative effort involving University Hospitals, Chagrin Valley Dispatch, the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and other key stakeholders has unveiled a $1.3 million project aimed at improving emergency responses to mental health crises in Cleveland’s eastern suburbs.
Nick DiCicco, Director of Chagrin Valley Dispatch, emphasized the critical need addressed by the initiative in a recent press release, stating, “Everyone has a friend, neighbor, or relative struggling with mental health. We know they often struggle to get the help they need, or get it in a timely way. This program will help us better support the residents we serve while also keeping first responders safer.”
Launched on July 15, the project focuses on training dispatchers in Geauga County and the Chagrin Valley to employ a series of targeted questions when handling 9-1-1 calls. These questions are designed to swiftly ascertain if callers are in a mental health crisis and to determine appropriate responses, which may include medical intervention, police assistance, or a mental health-specific approach.
Paul R. Hinchey, Chief Operating Officer of University Hospitals, underscored the program’s significance, noting, “The 9-1-1 system is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for mental health services and aims to provide alternatives to traditional emergency responses, ensuring that our community receives the most appropriate care when needed.”
Yolanda Lewis, Executive Vice President of Justice and Health at the Meadows Institute, expressed pride in the partnership’s innovative approach, stating, “The Meadows Institute is proud to collaborate with University Hospitals, Chagrin Valley Dispatch, and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office to pioneer a health-focused emergency response model. By prioritizing care, compassion, and community well-being, we aim to ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely and appropriate assistance.”
According to the project’s press release, dispatchers at Geauga County Dispatch and Chagrin Valley Dispatch have undergone extensive training to implement the new protocols effectively.
Brandon Reed from the Geauga County Department of Emergency Services emphasized the program’s broader impact, stating, “Mental health crises affect individuals across all demographics and locations. This initiative equips first responders with tools to accurately identify and respond to these challenges, aiming to establish a national standard for managing such critical calls.”
Funding for the initiative has been secured through grants from the American Arbitration Association and the Sosozei Foundation, with training development in collaboration with the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in redefining emergency response strategies to better address mental health needs within the community.
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