Winona gives Alternative Response final OK
(6/9/2021)
The Alternative Response Team (ART) transformed from concept into contract Monday, when the Winona City Council approved the formal agreement that would form the basis for teams of mental health professionals responding alongside — and possibly in lieu of — police officers.
Council members unanimously approved the three-year contract between Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) and the city. HVMHC will be paid just under $175,000 in 2021 for the program, which for now consists of two mental health professionals. Officials earlier said the first teams are planned to deploy in July, and that initially the ART would be accompanied by police.