Chapel Hill Police Department is switching things up and making some changes to the way they respond to 911 calls.
They are now the only police department in the Triangle to have mental heath clinicians assists officers responding to calls.
What does this mean? Well, now when an officer responds to any mental health calls a licensed health counselor will be in the passenger side riding along with them!
The counselors are trained to assist with deescalating situations where someone is trying to commit suicide and will also assist with those who suffer from substance abuse.
The goal of this initiative is to help get specific treatment to those who are in need. In just one month, the crisis unit has already reponded to 93 calls in addition to providing resources over the phone to more than 200 people!
Do you think other areas in the Triangle should follow suite?
Blogged By: Bernie Oh!| @IamBernieOh