GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – People who battle mental illnesses or substance abuse are getting the help they need thanks to the Gainesville Police Department and the Meridian Healthcare co-respondents program.
Whether it’s a diagnosis, medication adjustment or a stabilization, these co-responders are on-call and drive 40 hours a week to assess the next steps in a patient’s care plan.
“Our co-responder team is a combination of a law enforcement officer and a mental health clinician,” said Officer Sarah Reeves. “We respond out to individuals who are in crisis. Our teams go out, we look at the situation, and we determine what’s the best course for them.”
The idea is to avoid more restrictive methods, such as jail time or the Baker Act, which is a state law that can commit a person involuntarily to a mental health facility.
One of these participants, James Huffmen, was referred to the Gainesville Opportunity Center, where he’s been given resources to better himself.
The co-respondents program strives to continue keeping contact with families and to deliver ongoing support for them.
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