In a bid to tackle the intersection of mental health and substance abuse with crime, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is set to unveil the “It’s All Connected” campaign next week.
Sheriff Mike Prendergast emphasized the interconnectedness of mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence issues, stressing the importance of addressing these underlying factors.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office initiated the Behavioral Health Unit in 2020 due to a surge in mental health and substance abuse-related incidents compared to the previous year.
Prendergast believes that early intervention can break the cycle of crime perpetuated by these issues.
The campaign aims to broaden awareness of resources like the Behavioral Health Unit and delve into the root causes of various crimes.
Deputies often respond to incidents involving domestic violence, burglaries, and overdoses, and the sheriff highlighted that a significant portion of individuals they encounter also grapple with mental health challenges and addiction.
