City of Rockford issued the following announcement on Feb 3.
This fall, two complimentary pilot programs were launched aimed at helping those with mental health conditions. With a focus on the moment a mental health crisis occurs, the Rockford Police Department, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and Rosecrance partnered to create the Crisis Co-Response Team. This program changes the way law enforcement traditionally responds to behavioral health crises by including a mental health clinician on the initial response.
With a focus on prevention, the Rockford Fire Department and SwedishAmerican partnered to create the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Behavioral Health Pilot Program. The organizations have already seen success of the MIH program related to general medical issues by using a proactive approach to reach out to residents who had a reliance on the Emergency Room for all medical treatment and provide resources and support when they are not in the hospital. The new Behavior Health Program uses the same framework to connect with individuals hospitalized repeatedly due to mental health issues. Rockford Fire Mobile Integrated Health Paramedics and SwedishAmerican nurses go to residents to provide support and resources to ensure they continue to have success outside of the hospital.
“I view these programs as one big initiative to improve our response to those facing mental health challenges,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “We’re working to help people during a moment of crisis, and we’re providing follow up to those who need help managing their illnesses. I could not be more proud of how multiple organizations are stepping up and addressing this critical need in our community."
Today, members of Rockford Fire, Rockford Police, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Rosecrance and SwedishAmerican talked to the media about the programs.
Image description: Four people stand near a podium in City Council Chambers in front of three news reporters.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Rockford
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