Submitted by the Opioid Response Department
The Seneca Nation Opioid Response Department in collaboration with the Erie County Department of Mental Health hosted a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for first responders including members of the Marshalls and Evans PD the week of June 15-19 at the Seneca Cattaraugus Fire Hall.
9 participants (7 Marshalls and 2 Evans officers) completed the rigorous course covering a range of topics designed to give them the skills to diffuse difficult mental health and substance use crisis situations to better protect residents by diverting them to appropriate care instead of incarceration. They also learned the importance of self-care and tools available to them to use when responding to these many times difficult, heart wrenching situations.
Topics covered included communication skills to de-escalate, suicide assessment and intervention, mental illnesses (psychotic, personality, mood disorders, trauma, symptoms and behaviors, indicators of emotional distress,) substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders, developmental disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Veterans care, self-care, legal issues (Mental hygiene law, AOT, 941/945, incl Peacemakers Court.)
A consumer and family member panel presented on previous poor situational interactions with first responders due to Mental health and Substance Use Disorder affected behaviors and discussion ensued on changing and enhancing current best practices to keep all safe and get referred to the correct services at the time needed instead of incarceration.
Community resources including Peacemakers Judges Sylvia Beege Jock and Valene Peters presented cases where interactions can be improved with this training in the future creating and enhancing stronger communication with local first responders.
Huge credit to the success of the training goes to Chief Isaac and Chief Thompson as well as Law Enforcement Commissioner Mohr for having their teams attend and participate.
Another training is being discussed for the fall to expand access to these important resources.
