By Spencer Smith
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced plans yesterday to expand emergency crisis response programs that assist residents having behavioral health breakdowns.
Olszewski said in a statement released to the news media that the program expansion is important to assure that those in crisis will receive the help they need.
The program is particularly important now as many people are experiencing higher levels of stress from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the county executive said.
The Baltimore County Police Department currently uses a co-responder Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) model for mental health crises. This is where specially-trained police officers and licensed mental health clinicians respond to behavioral health calls-for-service such as substance abuse, family conflicts and juvenile complaints.
Under the expanded program, the MCT will increase case capacity by 50% during peak times, expand coverage in each of the county’s three patrol divisions and reduce response times for residents calling for service.
Baltimore County also plans to create a 9-1-1 Call Center Clinician Program, which will use mental health clinicians to assess whether callers are in imminent danger. If they are not, callers can be referred by the clinician to the appropriate behavioral health resources.
“Anyone can utilize this service,” said Joy Stewart, director of public affairs for the Baltimore County Police Department. “Our team members are trained to handle adult and pediatric calls. Having additional teams in the field during peak hours will allow for the reduction in response times.”
When asked if the county was dedicating additional personnel or hiring more people for MCT and the call center, she said in an e-mail: “Yes, additional teams will be added and 911 clinicians.”
The one-year behavioral health expansion pilot program will likely cost $1.6 million and will be paid through federal funding, Olszewski said.
According to Gregory Wm. Branch, the director of health and human services, the primary goal is to offer patient-focused and patient-friendly services.
“Teaming licensed mental health clinicians with specially-trained police officers supports that public-health-focused approach to behavioral health issues,” Branch said.
Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt agreed.
“Behavioral health issues present challenges to law enforcement that we cannot successfully mitigate alone,” Hyatt said.
The early intervention program can efficiently connect callers to resources, reduce the need for law enforcement and emergency services. It will also allow law enforcement to take additional calls for service, county officials said.
The 9-1-1 Call Center Clinician Program and the MCT expansion is projected to start after July 1, according to Sean Naron, deputy communications director and press secretary for Olszewski.