Alternatives to Police Response for People in Mental Health Crisis – Ideas, Barriers and Ways to Work to a Solution

July 1, 2021
Alternatives to Police Response for People in Mental Health Crisis – Ideas, Barriers and Ways to Work to a Solution

***This was a SAMHSA-sponsored webinar hosted by NASMHPD.***

While a problem that has existed for much longer, the events of the last year has greatly increased the discussion occurring throughout our country on alternatives to police response to emergencies involving individuals with serious mental illness.  These discussions have included both non-police projects and programs that involve both police and mental health providers.

This webinar will first explore one alternative being used and discussed in many parts of the country, the CAHOOTS program.  The webinar will then turn, using the real life experiences of two advocates on opposite ends of the country, to some issues that need to be considered when discussing these alternatives, barriers to a solution, and ways to work together to achieve a successful outcome.  This will be followed by a question and answer time period.

Presenters

  • Tim Black, Director of Consulting at White Bird Clinic
  • Cherene Caraco, Founder of Promise Resource Network (PRN)
  • Héctor Manuel Ramírez, service on the board of directors for Disability Rights California and the National Disability Rights Network as well as the California Behavioral Health Task Force and the Los Angeles County Measure J Reimagine LA Advisory Committee.

The webinar recording, chat transcript, presentation slides and full transcript can be found on the NASMHPD website.