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The Greene County Sheriff's Office in Catskill has teamed up with the state Department of Mental Health to launch a new initiative aimed at improving responses to mental health crises. As reported by NEWS10 ABC, the collaboration includes a crisis intervention training program that took place the week of July 17. Over 20 volunteers from law enforcement, EMS, and school resource officers participated in the program.
The training, which lasted eight hours a day for five days, aimed to equip first responders with the skills needed to address mental health and substance abuse crises effectively. Dr. Jason Fredenburg, Director of Community Services and Greene County Mental Health, emphasized the importance of this training, stating, "When people experience a mental health crisis, it’s often law enforcement and first responders that are the first ones on the scene."
The program also featured a consumer advocate panel, providing first responders with perspectives from individuals who have experienced mental health challenges. Sergeant David Sherman noted that the training offered valuable insights into handling such situations.
In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the training included participants from the New York State Police, Athens Police Department, Catskill Police Department, Greene County Paramedics, and Coxsackie Ambulance. The initiative also involved collaboration with Columbia Memorial Hospital, the Mental Health Association, and other local human service agencies to familiarize officers with available community services.
Looking ahead, a steering committee has been established to track the program's progress and identify additional training needs. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of equipping first responders with the necessary tools to handle mental health crises effectively.